First and Last-Mile Transportation Innovation - ON-1218

Project type: Innovation
Desired discipline(s): Engineering - computer / electrical, Engineering, Computer science, Mathematical Sciences
Company: Maple Rides
Project Length: 4 to 6 months
Preferred start date: 08/10/2026
Language requirement: English
Location(s): Ottawa, ON, Canada
No. of positions: 1
Desired education level: Recent graduate
Open to applicants registered at an institution outside of Canada: No

About the company: 

Maple Rides is a Canadian ridesharing company dedicated to improving access to mobility services for underserved communities, including rural, remote, Indigenous, and Northern populations. The company develops innovative, technology-driven transportation solutions that connect customers throughout the first-mile and last-mile journey, helping individuals access healthcare services, employment opportunities, education, and essential community resources. Maple Rides aims to reduce missed medical appointments, improve healthcare accessibility, enhance patient outcomes, and support independent living for seniors and vulnerable populations across Canada. Through the integration of transportation technology, data-driven decision-making, and community partnerships, the company addresses barriers to mobility while creating efficient, reliable, and inclusive transportation solutions.
The organization is committed to developing innovative approaches that improve service delivery, optimize transportation resources, and strengthen connections between individuals and the communities they serve. By leveraging digital tools, artificial intelligence, and strategic partnerships, Maple Rides seeks to become a leading provider of accessible transportation and mobility solutions across Canada and beyond.

Describe the project.: 

Maple Rides seeks to develop an innovative transportation management platform that improves mobility and access to essential services for seniors, individuals with mobility challenges, and residents of underserved communities. The project will focus on integrating artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and data-driven decision-making tools to optimize ride scheduling, reduce wait times, improve route efficiency, and enhance transportation accessibility. The selected researcher will analyze transportation patterns, mobility barriers, community access challenges, and operational data to design, develop, and evaluate optimization models that improve service delivery and operational performance. The project will also explore opportunities for integration and collaboration with community organizations, municipalities, transportation providers, and other stakeholders to create a more connected and accessible transportation ecosystem.
Special attention will be given to addressing first-mile and last-mile transportation challenges that limit access to employment, education, community services, and other essential destinations. The research will identify scalable solutions that improve mobility, reduce transportation gaps, and increase accessibility for underserved populations. Expected outcomes include improved operational efficiency, enhanced customer experience, reduced transportation costs, increased service utilization, and a scalable technology platform capable of supporting expansion across Canadian provinces. The project will contribute to the development of innovative transportation solutions that promote greater independence, connectivity, and economic participation for communities across Canada.

Required expertise/skills: 

• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Analytics
• Health Informatics
• Software Development
• Business Process Optimization
• Transportation Systems
• Research Methods