Accurate ETAs build user trust:
Components:
- Routing: Best path given current traffic
- Travel time: Historical + real-time conditions
- Pickup time: Driver arrival + rider boarding
Data sources:
- GPS traces from active rides
- Historical trip data by route/time
- Third-party traffic feeds
- Event calendars (sports, concerts)
ML model: Predict travel time from features. Continuously retrain on completed trips.
Challenges: Construction, accidents, weather. Model must adapt quickly.
Display: Show range ("- min") not point estimate. Under-promise, over-deliver.