diff --git a/CONFIGURATION.md b/CONFIGURATION.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bb4da46
--- /dev/null
+++ b/CONFIGURATION.md
@@ -0,0 +1,129 @@
+# Configuration Guide
+
+This guide explains how to configure RideMatch dynamically using environment variables.
+
+## Quick Setup
+
+1. Run the setup script:
+   ```bash
+   npm run setup
+   ```
+
+2. Edit `.env.local` with your configuration values
+
+3. Start the development server:
+   ```bash
+   npm run dev
+   ```
+
+## Environment Variables
+
+### Required Variables
+
+#### Firebase Configuration
+- `NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_API_KEY` - Your Firebase API key
+- `NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_AUTH_DOMAIN` - Your Firebase auth domain
+- `NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_PROJECT_ID` - Your Firebase project ID
+- `NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_STORAGE_BUCKET` - Your Firebase storage bucket
+- `NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_MESSAGING_SENDER_ID` - Your Firebase messaging sender ID
+- `NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_APP_ID` - Your Firebase app ID
+
+#### Google Maps
+- `NEXT_PUBLIC_GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY` - Your Google Maps API key
+
+### Optional Variables
+
+#### App Configuration
+- `NEXT_PUBLIC_APP_NAME` - App name (default: "RideMatch")
+- `NEXT_PUBLIC_APP_DESCRIPTION` - App description
+- `NEXT_PUBLIC_APP_URL` - App URL (default: "http://localhost:3000")
+- `NEXT_PUBLIC_APP_VERSION` - App version (default: "0.1.0")
+
+#### Feature Flags
+- `NEXT_PUBLIC_ENABLE_REAL_TIME_TRACKING` - Enable real-time tracking (default: true)
+- `NEXT_PUBLIC_ENABLE_NOTIFICATIONS` - Enable notifications (default: true)
+- `NEXT_PUBLIC_ENABLE_ANALYTICS` - Enable analytics (default: true)
+
+#### API Configuration
+- `NEXT_PUBLIC_API_BASE_URL` - API base URL (default: "/api")
+- `NEXT_PUBLIC_API_TIMEOUT` - API timeout in milliseconds (default: 5000)
+
+## Getting Your API Keys
+
+### Firebase Setup
+1. Go to [Firebase Console](https://console.firebase.google.com/)
+2. Create a new project or select existing one
+3. Go to Project Settings > General
+4. Scroll down to "Your apps" section
+5. Click on the web app or create a new one
+6. Copy the configuration values
+
+### Google Maps Setup
+1. Go to [Google Cloud Console](https://console.cloud.google.com/)
+2. Create a new project or select existing one
+3. Enable the Maps JavaScript API
+4. Go to Credentials
+5. Create an API key
+6. Restrict the API key to your domain for security
+
+## Customization Examples
+
+### Change App Name
+```bash
+NEXT_PUBLIC_APP_NAME=MyRideApp
+```
+
+### Disable Features
+```bash
+NEXT_PUBLIC_ENABLE_ANALYTICS=false
+NEXT_PUBLIC_ENABLE_NOTIFICATIONS=false
+```
+
+### Custom API Endpoint
+```bash
+NEXT_PUBLIC_API_BASE_URL=https://api.myapp.com
+```
+
+## Validation
+
+The app automatically validates your configuration on startup. If any required variables are missing, you'll see helpful error messages.
+
+You can also manually validate your configuration by importing the validation function:
+
+```typescript
+import { validateEnvironment } from '@/lib/validate-env';
+
+// This will log validation results
+validateEnvironment();
+```
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### Common Issues
+
+1. **"Missing required environment variables"**
+   - Ensure all required variables are set in `.env.local`
+   - Check that the file is in the project root
+   - Restart your development server after changes
+
+2. **Firebase connection errors**
+   - Verify your Firebase project is active
+   - Check that Firestore is enabled in your Firebase project
+   - Ensure your API key has the necessary permissions
+
+3. **Google Maps not loading**
+   - Verify your API key is correct
+   - Check that the Maps JavaScript API is enabled
+   - Ensure billing is set up for your Google Cloud project
+
+### Debug Configuration
+
+You can debug your current configuration by importing:
+
+```typescript
+import { getCurrentConfig } from '@/lib/validate-env';
+
+console.log(getCurrentConfig());
+```
+
+This will show your current configuration with sensitive values masked.
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 7b8c6af..68aa740 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -132,9 +132,18 @@ directionsService.route({
 
 3. **Set up environment variables**
    ```bash
+   # Run the setup script (recommended)
+   npm run setup
+   
+   # Or manually copy the example file
    cp .env.local.example .env.local
    ```
-   Add your Google Maps API key to `.env.local`
+   
+   Configure your environment variables in `.env.local`:
+   - Firebase configuration (API key, project ID, etc.)
+   - Google Maps API key
+   - App name and description
+   - Feature flags
 
 4. **Run the development server**
    ```bash
diff --git a/app/auth/page.tsx b/app/auth/page.tsx
index b8a2b46..584c266 100644
--- a/app/auth/page.tsx
+++ b/app/auth/page.tsx
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import { Input } from "@/components/ui/input"
 import { Label } from "@/components/ui/label"
 import { Tabs, TabsContent, TabsList, TabsTrigger } from "@/components/ui/tabs"
 import { MapPin, Mail, Lock, User, Phone } from "lucide-react"
+import { config } from "@/lib/config"
 
 export default function AuthPage() {
   const [isLoading, setIsLoading] = useState(false)
@@ -33,7 +34,7 @@ export default function AuthPage() {
             <div className="w-10 h-10 bg-gradient-to-r from-blue-600 to-green-600 rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center">
               <MapPin className="w-6 h-6 text-white" />
             </div>
-            <span className="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900">RideMatch</span>
+            <span className="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900">{config.app.name}</span>
           </Link>
           <p className="text-gray-600">Join the community of smart travelers</p>
         </div>
@@ -48,7 +49,7 @@ export default function AuthPage() {
             <Card>
               <CardHeader>
                 <CardTitle>Welcome Back</CardTitle>
-                <CardDescription>Sign in to your RideMatch account to start finding rides.</CardDescription>
+                <CardDescription>Sign in to your {config.app.name} account to start finding rides.</CardDescription>
               </CardHeader>
               <CardContent>
                 <form onSubmit={handleSubmit} className="space-y-4">
@@ -87,7 +88,7 @@ export default function AuthPage() {
             <Card>
               <CardHeader>
                 <CardTitle>Create Account</CardTitle>
-                <CardDescription>Join RideMatch and start sharing rides with your community.</CardDescription>
+                <CardDescription>Join {config.app.name} and start sharing rides with your community.</CardDescription>
               </CardHeader>
               <CardContent>
                 <form onSubmit={handleSubmit} className="space-y-4">
diff --git a/app/dashboard/page.tsx b/app/dashboard/page.tsx
index a36f8a0..45e5391 100644
--- a/app/dashboard/page.tsx
+++ b/app/dashboard/page.tsx
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ import {
   Bell,
   Settings,
 } from "lucide-react"
+import { config } from "@/lib/config"
 
 export default function DashboardPage() {
   const [searchFrom, setSearchFrom] = useState("")
@@ -79,7 +80,7 @@ export default function DashboardPage() {
             <div className="w-8 h-8 bg-gradient-to-r from-blue-600 to-green-600 rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center">
               <MapPin className="w-5 h-5 text-white" />
             </div>
-            <span className="text-xl font-bold text-gray-900">RideMatch</span>
+            <span className="text-xl font-bold text-gray-900">{config.app.name}</span>
           </Link>
 
           <div className="flex items-center space-x-4">
diff --git a/app/layout.tsx b/app/layout.tsx
index 3ebe716..56d22df 100644
--- a/app/layout.tsx
+++ b/app/layout.tsx
@@ -2,10 +2,11 @@ import type { Metadata } from 'next'
 import { GeistSans } from 'geist/font/sans'
 import { GeistMono } from 'geist/font/mono'
 import './globals.css'
+import { config } from '@/lib/config'
 
 export const metadata: Metadata = {
-  title: 'RideMatch App',
-  description: 'A community-driven ride matching app',
+  title: config.app.name,
+  description: config.app.description,
   generator: 'Next.js',
 }
 
diff --git a/app/page.tsx b/app/page.tsx
index 05d764d..bb2c3a3 100644
--- a/app/page.tsx
+++ b/app/page.tsx
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ import { Button } from "@/components/ui/button"
 import { Card, CardDescription, CardHeader, CardTitle } from "@/components/ui/card"
 import { Badge } from "@/components/ui/badge"
 import { MapPin, Users, DollarSign, Leaf, Shield, Clock } from "lucide-react"
+import { config } from "@/lib/config"
 
 export default function HomePage() {
   return (
@@ -14,7 +15,7 @@ export default function HomePage() {
             <div className="w-8 h-8 bg-gradient-to-r from-blue-600 to-green-600 rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center">
               <MapPin className="w-5 h-5 text-white" />
             </div>
-            <span className="text-xl font-bold text-gray-900">RideMatch</span>
+            <span className="text-xl font-bold text-gray-900">{config.app.name}</span>
           </div>
           <nav className="hidden md:flex items-center space-x-6">
             <Link href="#features" className="text-gray-600 hover:text-gray-900">
@@ -74,7 +75,7 @@ export default function HomePage() {
       <section id="features" className="py-20 px-4 bg-white">
         <div className="container mx-auto">
           <div className="text-center mb-16">
-            <h2 className="text-3xl md:text-4xl font-bold text-gray-900 mb-4">Why Choose RideMatch?</h2>
+            <h2 className="text-3xl md:text-4xl font-bold text-gray-900 mb-4">Why Choose {config.app.name}?</h2>
             <p className="text-xl text-gray-600 max-w-2xl mx-auto">
               Our intelligent platform makes ride sharing safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly.
             </p>
@@ -160,7 +161,7 @@ export default function HomePage() {
       <section id="how-it-works" className="py-20 px-4 bg-gray-50">
         <div className="container mx-auto">
           <div className="text-center mb-16">
-            <h2 className="text-3xl md:text-4xl font-bold text-gray-900 mb-4">How RideMatch Works</h2>
+            <h2 className="text-3xl md:text-4xl font-bold text-gray-900 mb-4">How {config.app.name} Works</h2>
             <p className="text-xl text-gray-600 max-w-2xl mx-auto">
               Getting started is simple. Just three easy steps to find your perfect ride match.
             </p>
@@ -253,7 +254,7 @@ export default function HomePage() {
                 </div>
                 <h3 className="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900 mb-4">Ready to Start?</h3>
                 <p className="text-gray-600 mb-6">
-                  Join thousands of users already saving money and making connections through RideMatch.
+                  Join thousands of users already saving money and making connections through {config.app.name}.
                 </p>
                 <Link href="/dashboard">
                   <Button
@@ -278,7 +279,7 @@ export default function HomePage() {
                 <div className="w-8 h-8 bg-gradient-to-r from-blue-600 to-green-600 rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center">
                   <MapPin className="w-5 h-5 text-white" />
                 </div>
-                <span className="text-xl font-bold">RideMatch</span>
+                <span className="text-xl font-bold">{config.app.name}</span>
               </div>
               <p className="text-gray-400">
                 Connecting travelers, building community, and making transportation more sustainable.
@@ -365,7 +366,7 @@ export default function HomePage() {
           </div>
 
           <div className="border-t border-gray-800 mt-8 pt-8 text-center text-gray-400">
-            <p>&copy; 2024 RideMatch. All rights reserved. Built with Google Maps Platform and Firebase.</p>
+                          <p>&copy; 2024 {config.app.name}. All rights reserved. Built with Google Maps Platform and Firebase.</p>
           </div>
         </div>
       </footer>
diff --git a/components/Header.tsx b/components/Header.tsx
index 8f8f14e..8d8dcc5 100644
--- a/components/Header.tsx
+++ b/components/Header.tsx
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 "use client"
 
 import { Bell, Menu, Search } from "lucide-react"
+import { config } from "@/lib/config"
 
 export function Header() {
   return (
@@ -12,7 +13,7 @@ export function Header() {
             <span className="text-white font-bold text-sm">R</span>
           </div>
           <div>
-            <h1 className="text-xl font-bold text-gray-900">RideMatch</h1>
+            <h1 className="text-xl font-bold text-gray-900">{config.app.name}</h1>
             <p className="text-xs text-gray-600">Smart Ride Sharing</p>
           </div>
         </div>
diff --git a/components/RidePanel.tsx b/components/RidePanel.tsx
index 2d1a3a9..ae3ed76 100644
--- a/components/RidePanel.tsx
+++ b/components/RidePanel.tsx
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 import { useState } from "react"
 import { Car, MapPin, Star, Clock, Users, Settings, Bell } from "lucide-react"
+import { config } from "@/lib/config"
 
 interface Ride {
   id: string
@@ -73,7 +74,7 @@ export function RidePanel() {
     <div className="w-96 bg-white border-l border-gray-200 flex flex-col">
       {/* Header */}
       <div className="p-6 border-b border-gray-200">
-        <h1 className="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900">RideMatch</h1>
+        <h1 className="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900">{config.app.name}</h1>
         <p className="text-sm text-gray-600 mt-1">Smart ride sharing with Google Maps</p>
       </div>
 
diff --git a/lib/config.ts b/lib/config.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6eaffba
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/config.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,70 @@
+// App Configuration
+export const config = {
+  // App metadata
+  app: {
+    name: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_APP_NAME || 'RideMatch',
+    description: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_APP_DESCRIPTION || 'A community-driven ride matching app',
+    url: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_APP_URL || 'http://localhost:3000',
+    version: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_APP_VERSION || '0.1.0',
+  },
+
+  // Firebase configuration
+  firebase: {
+    apiKey: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_API_KEY,
+    authDomain: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_AUTH_DOMAIN,
+    projectId: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_PROJECT_ID,
+    storageBucket: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_STORAGE_BUCKET,
+    messagingSenderId: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_MESSAGING_SENDER_ID,
+    appId: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_APP_ID,
+  },
+
+  // Google Maps configuration
+  maps: {
+    apiKey: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY,
+  },
+
+  // Feature flags
+  features: {
+    enableRealTimeTracking: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_ENABLE_REAL_TIME_TRACKING === 'true',
+    enableNotifications: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_ENABLE_NOTIFICATIONS === 'true',
+    enableAnalytics: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_ENABLE_ANALYTICS === 'true',
+  },
+
+  // API endpoints
+  api: {
+    baseUrl: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_API_BASE_URL || '/api',
+    timeout: parseInt(process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_API_TIMEOUT || '5000'),
+  },
+
+  // Environment
+  env: {
+    isDevelopment: process.env.NODE_ENV === 'development',
+    isProduction: process.env.NODE_ENV === 'production',
+    isTest: process.env.NODE_ENV === 'test',
+  },
+} as const;
+
+// Validation function to check required environment variables
+export function validateConfig() {
+  const requiredEnvVars = [
+    'NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_API_KEY',
+    'NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_AUTH_DOMAIN',
+    'NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_PROJECT_ID',
+    'NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_STORAGE_BUCKET',
+    'NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_MESSAGING_SENDER_ID',
+    'NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_APP_ID',
+    'NEXT_PUBLIC_GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY'
+  ];
+
+  const missingEnvVars = requiredEnvVars.filter(envVar => !process.env[envVar]);
+
+  if (missingEnvVars.length > 0) {
+    throw new Error(
+      `Missing required environment variables: ${missingEnvVars.join(', ')}. ` +
+      'Please check your .env.local file and ensure all required variables are set.'
+    );
+  }
+}
+
+// Type-safe config access
+export type AppConfig = typeof config;
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/lib/firebase.ts b/lib/firebase.ts
index ebe9609..cb2f25e 100644
--- a/lib/firebase.ts
+++ b/lib/firebase.ts
@@ -1,13 +1,17 @@
 import { initializeApp, getApps, getApp } from "firebase/app";
 import { getFirestore } from "firebase/firestore";
+import { config, validateConfig } from "./config";
+
+// Validate configuration on import
+validateConfig();
 
 const firebaseConfig = {
-  apiKey: "YOUR_API_KEY",
-  authDomain: "YOUR_AUTH_DOMAIN",
-  projectId: "YOUR_PROJECT_ID",
-  storageBucket: "YOUR_STORAGE_BUCKET",
-  messagingSenderId: "YOUR_MESSAGING_SENDER_ID",
-  appId: "YOUR_APP_ID",
+  apiKey: config.firebase.apiKey,
+  authDomain: config.firebase.authDomain,
+  projectId: config.firebase.projectId,
+  storageBucket: config.firebase.storageBucket,
+  messagingSenderId: config.firebase.messagingSenderId,
+  appId: config.firebase.appId,
 };
 
 const app = !getApps().length ? initializeApp(firebaseConfig) : getApp();
diff --git a/lib/validate-env.ts b/lib/validate-env.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e809ad7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/validate-env.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,69 @@
+import { config } from './config';
+
+export function validateEnvironment() {
+  const errors: string[] = [];
+  const warnings: string[] = [];
+
+  // Check required Firebase variables
+  const requiredFirebaseVars = [
+    'NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_API_KEY',
+    'NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_AUTH_DOMAIN',
+    'NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_PROJECT_ID',
+    'NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_STORAGE_BUCKET',
+    'NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_MESSAGING_SENDER_ID',
+    'NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_APP_ID'
+  ];
+
+  requiredFirebaseVars.forEach(varName => {
+    if (!process.env[varName] || process.env[varName] === 'your_api_key_here') {
+      errors.push(`Missing or invalid ${varName}`);
+    }
+  });
+
+  // Check Google Maps API key
+  if (!process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY || 
+      process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY === 'your_google_maps_api_key_here') {
+    errors.push('Missing or invalid NEXT_PUBLIC_GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY');
+  }
+
+  // Check optional variables
+  if (!process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_APP_NAME) {
+    warnings.push('NEXT_PUBLIC_APP_NAME not set, using default: RideMatch');
+  }
+
+  if (!process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_APP_URL) {
+    warnings.push('NEXT_PUBLIC_APP_URL not set, using default: http://localhost:3000');
+  }
+
+  // Display results
+  if (errors.length > 0) {
+    console.error('❌ Environment validation failed:');
+    errors.forEach(error => console.error(`  - ${error}`));
+    console.error('\nPlease check your .env.local file and ensure all required variables are set.');
+    return false;
+  }
+
+  if (warnings.length > 0) {
+    console.warn('⚠️  Environment warnings:');
+    warnings.forEach(warning => console.warn(`  - ${warning}`));
+  }
+
+  console.log('✅ Environment validation passed!');
+  return true;
+}
+
+// Export current config for debugging
+export function getCurrentConfig() {
+  return {
+    app: config.app,
+    firebase: {
+      ...config.firebase,
+      apiKey: config.firebase.apiKey ? '***' : 'NOT_SET',
+    },
+    maps: {
+      apiKey: config.maps.apiKey ? '***' : 'NOT_SET',
+    },
+    features: config.features,
+    env: config.env,
+  };
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index 42ca0d2..4646e54 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -6,7 +6,8 @@
     "build": "next build",
     "dev": "next dev",
     "lint": "next lint",
-    "start": "next start"
+    "start": "next start",
+    "setup": "node scripts/setup-env.js"
   },
   "dependencies": {
     "@hookform/resolvers": "^3.9.1",
diff --git a/scripts/setup-env.js b/scripts/setup-env.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f73ea27
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/setup-env.js
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env node
+
+const fs = require('fs');
+const path = require('path');
+
+console.log('🚀 Setting up RideMatch environment...\n');
+
+// Check if .env.local already exists
+const envPath = path.join(process.cwd(), '.env.local');
+if (fs.existsSync(envPath)) {
+  console.log('⚠️  .env.local already exists. Please backup and remove it to run this setup.');
+  process.exit(1);
+}
+
+// Read the example file
+const examplePath = path.join(process.cwd(), '.env.local.example');
+if (!fs.existsSync(examplePath)) {
+  console.log('❌ .env.local.example not found. Please ensure it exists.');
+  process.exit(1);
+}
+
+// Copy the example file
+fs.copyFileSync(examplePath, envPath);
+
+console.log('✅ Environment file created successfully!');
+console.log('\n📝 Next steps:');
+console.log('1. Edit .env.local with your actual configuration values');
+console.log('2. Get your Firebase configuration from the Firebase Console');
+console.log('3. Get your Google Maps API key from Google Cloud Console');
+console.log('4. Customize the app name and other settings as needed');
+console.log('\n🔧 Required environment variables:');
+console.log('- NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_API_KEY');
+console.log('- NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_AUTH_DOMAIN');
+console.log('- NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_PROJECT_ID');
+console.log('- NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_STORAGE_BUCKET');
+console.log('- NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_MESSAGING_SENDER_ID');
+console.log('- NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_APP_ID');
+console.log('- NEXT_PUBLIC_GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY');
+console.log('\n🎉 Setup complete! Run "npm run dev" to start the development server.');
\ No newline at end of file