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10 MOBILE APPS THAT SHOULD BE ON YOUR SMARTPHONE

Whether you’re driving or commuting, never be caught without any of these indispensible apps Commuting has always been a way of life for most Filipinos. Behind the backdrop of noisy streets, a sometimes chaotic landscape, and perennial congestion, Filipino commuters often place themselves in situations that drain their time, money, and patience just to move about. You might be reading this because you’re a commuter or a driver with a story to share like the rest of us. Regardless, you can take more control of your life by using technology to make things easier for you. The easiest and most convenient ones you can use are already right beside you — your mobile phone. It can help make your daily commute easier, organized, and more efficient than ever. Here are the top 10 mobile apps for drivers and commuters that you should always have in your phone:

1 Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) (Android or iOS)

It doesn’t matter whether you commute or drive to work — MMDA’s apps will come in handy for everyone. Developed by the UP Information Technology Department Center and MMDA, this app can help:
  • Navigate Metro Manila traffic on these arteries: EDSA, C5, SLEX, Roxas Boulevard, Ortigas, Commonwealth, Marcos Highway, Katipunan, España, and Quezon Avenue;
  • View the traffic situation in System, Map or Line View;
  • View road incidents that might affect your normal travel time;
  • Share or Report traffic info via Twitter;
  • View problem areas so you can avoid them;
  • View MMDA FAQs.
  • Show you the MMDA Directory
 

2 MMDA Traffic Navigator (Android or iOS)

Almost similar to the MMDA app, the traffic navigator focuses more on giving users information about traffic. Its other features include:
  • Latest advisories from MMDA;
  • Notifications that inform of vehicular accidents, road closed/re-blocking, flood, stalled vehicles, and nearby fires in real time;
  • Road traffic situation (Light, Medium, or Heavy) that includes major thoroughfares like EDSA, Commonwealth, Quezon Ave., España, C5, Ortigas, Marcos Highway, Roxas Boulevard., SLEX, NLEX;
  • MMDA’s Twitter and Facebook feeds;
  • Nearest police stations, hospital and fire stations;
  • Emergency hotlines of the MMDA, PNP, NDRRMC, Red Cross, NLEX, SLEX, and more;
  • MMDA’s special announcements and FAQs;
  • Ability to report suspicious activities to the MMDA.

3 Waze (Android or iOS)

Waze is the biggest community-based traffic and navigation app today, where drivers can share real-time traffic conditions and other road tips to save time, gas, and money. Features include:
  • Live routing based on community-driven, real-time traffic and road info;
  • Community reported alerts including accidents, hazards, police traps, road closures, and more;
  • Turn-by-turn voice-guided navigation;
  • Live maps, consistently edited and updated by Waze community map editors;
  • Automatic rerouting as conditions change on the road;
  • Cheapest gas station on route.
 

5 PasaHero (Android or iOS)

Pasahero helps protect passengers by broadcasting their trip details on social media. It also allows you to send emergency notifications and locations (via a panic button) to your trusted circles and agencies when in need of help. PasaHero was developed by ABS-CBN’s Digital Media Division and ABS-CBNnews.com together with the Department of Transportation and Communication, Land Transportation Office and Franchising Regulatory Board, and Land Transportation Office.  

5 Trip Barker (Android)

Trip Barker is a community-based, mass-transit trip planner that helps users share information about the weather, traffic, and events in real time. Its aim is to help commuters avoid flooded streets, crowded stations, and heavy traffic. It also helps commuters find the nearest hotels, stores, and restaurants in their vicinity. This app is a Partner Transit Application of the Department of Transportation and Communications.

6 Uber (Android or iOS)

Need to go someplace fast? Try Uber. This American worldwide online transportation application gives commuters fast and reliable rides 24/7 so they don’t have to brave the sea of desperate commuters fighting for a seat on the MRT. Their lungs won’t have to bear inhaling all the noxious carbon monoxide when taking the the jeepney or bus. Uber allows users to request a ride and pay for it via credit card, cash, Apple Pay, Android Pay, or Paypal in selected cities. All that’s needed is to open the app and key in the destination. The app will then detect the user’s location so the driver knows the exact place of pickup. Once paid, a receipt is sent via e-mail to confirm payment. Uber also allows users to see the driver’s picture, ascertain vehicle details, and where they are at the moment. It also has a two-way feedback mechanism. 7 Grab (Android or iOS

Very similar to Uber, Grab offers fixed rates that users must agree with up front. Payment is made via cash, credit car, or even a mobile wallet (coming soon). Commuters also get an e-mailed receipt after the ride, and the app auto-detects location as soon as a destination is chosen. Grab also allows users to track their drivers. Unlike Uber, Grab was founded much closer to home.  It was established in Malaysia and focuses more on Southeast Asian countries. Currently, this app is available in Malaysia, Philippines, India, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

8 Accuweather (Android or iOS)

Nothing’s worse than a perfectly thought-out adventure trip ruined by a super typhoon staring you in the face. Accuweather gives the latest weather updates, and it also alerts about dangerous thunderstorms within the user’s vicinity. These alerts can then lead to the maps section for further information.  

9 Emergency Calls in Philippines (Android)

What will you do in an event of an emergency? This extremely handy app offers the most widely used phone numbers when making emergency calls to public institutions. It also gives huge access to Philippine government agencies and other institutions, where one can complain to them about the traffic. The numbers are conveniently classified according to different categories, and one needs to do is press on the selected phone number to make a call. Some of the categories: Police, Fire, and Ambulance Assistance; Weather Concerns; Natural Disasters; Transportation; Basic Utilities; Government Agencies; Hospitals; Telecommunications, and Mobile Services.

10 Google Maps (Android or iOS)

Google Maps has always been the most popular application for people finding locations. But did you know that it can also provide commuters directions in select places in the Philippines? This service helps plot out the best route via trains or buses, and also gives an estimate of travel time. Another helpful feature is the customization of preferred mode of transport. If you think that inhaling and exhaling is the maximum exercise you should do everyday, then you can choose less cardiovascular means of commuting, such as “less walking” and “fewer transfers.” Or if you need to lose a couple of pounds before your next date, then choose “more walking.” It’s free, it’s fast, and it’s great. -- Carmudi feature  

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