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Matcher configurations are key to determining whether newly created rides will be paired with existing ones. These settings can be tailored to fit the specific needs of each client and ensure a seamless carpooling experience. Let’s break it down in simple terms with examples.


What Are Matcher Configurations?

Matcher configurations help decide how rides are matched together. For instance, if you’re carpooling to work, the system uses these settings to see if there’s someone nearby going in the same direction at the same time.

Configurations can be applied at two levels:

  • Product Level: These settings apply to all networks within a specific product (e.g., a company-wide carpooling program).
  • Network Level: These settings override or add to the product-level configurations for a particular network. For example, if one branch office has unique schedules, its network can have specific matcher settings.


Key Matcher Configurations for Carpooling

1. MATCHER_PATH_FILTERS

This setting fine-tunes how rides are matched by filtering trips based on location and direction.

  • Radii Filters: This determines how far from the driver’s route the system will look to match passengers.

    • Sample Value: RADIUS_PICKUP: 500 meters | RADIUS_DROPOFF: 300 meters
      • Example: If a driver’s route passes within 500 meters of a passenger's pick-up point or 300 meters of their drop-off point, the system will consider them for a match.

  • Bearing Filter: Ensures passengers are matched only if they are traveling in the same general direction as the driver.

    • Sample Value: BEARING_TOLERANCE: 30 degrees
      • Example: If a driver is heading east, the system will only match passengers whose destination aligns within 30 degrees of that direction, preventing mismatches like pairing someone heading west.

2. MATCHER_RELAXATION_ENABLED

This setting is like being a little more flexible with matching, making it easier to find someone to carpool with. It relaxes the strict time and distance rules for rides.

  • How it Works: Relaxation allows:

    • Slightly later pick-up times.
    • Slightly earlier drop-offs.
    • Longer overall trip durations if it helps create a match.

  • Example: Imagine your usual pick-up time is 8:00 AM. With relaxation enabled, the system might adjust it to 8:10 AM to match you with a nearby rider who’s also commuting to work.



Configuration Based on Client Needs

These settings can be adjusted based on what works best for each organization or network. For instance:

  • A company with employees working flexible hours may enable MATCHER_RELAXATION to encourage more carpool matches.
  • A school carpool program might tighten MATCHER_PATH_FILTERS to ensure drivers only pick up students within a certain distance of the school.

Why It Matters

Matcher configurations make carpooling seamless and efficient by connecting users traveling in similar directions, ensuring flexibility where needed, and allowing tailored configurations to meet client needs.