Optimizing the Management and Control of University Transportation through Mobile Geolocation: A Case Study of the Technical University of Babahoyo, Ecuador

Abstract

University transportation management is crucial for ensuring student accessibility, punctuality, and safety. At the Technical University of Babahoyo (UTB), the lack of real-time information on routes, schedules, and the location of university buses generates uncertainty, delays, and increased exposure to the risks and costs of conventional public transportation. In response to this problem, this research aimed to develop an IT solution for managing and controlling university transportation, supported by geolocation technologies and web services. The study adopted a quantitative, applied approach with a descriptive scope and a non-experimental, cross-sectional design. Observation, interviews, and surveys were used to diagnose the current state of the transportation service. The solution was designed using a client-server architecture, integrating an Android mobile application for students, an administrative web application, and a relational database. A multi-criteria analysis method was applied to select the most suitable technological alternative, considering criteria such as cost, usability, scalability, and reliability. This method identified an integrated system with an administrative web application and a native Android mobile application as the optimal solution. The prototype developed allows for real-time visualization of buses, route and schedule consultation, stop location, and alert generation, resulting in improvements in punctuality, reduced wait times, and a greater sense of student safety. The research demonstrates that incorporating mobile and GPS technologies optimizes university transportation management and improves service quality.