A Privacy-Preserving Semi-Public Blockchain-Based Ride-Sharing Platform with Secure Distributed Data Storage Using IPFS

Abstract

Traditional ride-sharing platforms rely on centralized architectures, leading to concerns about data privacy, transparency, and security vulnerabilities. These issues, coupled with high service fees and susceptibility to cyber threats, highlight the need for a decentralized, privacy-preserving alternative. To address these challenges, we propose a semi-public blockchain-based ride-sharing platform that leverages Hyperledger Fabric for secure, permissioned data storage and IPFS for distributed data management. Our system integrates Ethereum smart contracts for transaction transparency and incorporates the Cosmos SDK to enable seamless interoperability between private and public blockchains. Additionally, we introduce a fair “pay-as-you-drive” mechanism, replacing conventional time-locked deposit protocols to ensure users only pay for the distance traveled. By combining permissioned blockchain security with decentralized storage and efficient cross-chain communication, our approach ensures privacy, scalability, and real-world applicability. Our performance analysis demonstrate that our Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism achieves 15–20 percent higher throughput and 30–40 percent lower latency compared to PoW and PoA, alongside reduced CPU usage under high transaction loads. With a monthly operational cost of approximately 30,000 BDT per node, the platform proves both affordable and scalable, offering a practical path toward decentralized, secure ride-sharing solutions.