Top 10 Mobile Apps for Drivers and Commuters

Commuting has always been a way of life for most Filipinos. And behind the backdrop of noisy streets, uninspiring landscape, and traffic madness, Filipino commuters sometimes place themselves in situations that drain their time, money, and well-being 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 phones. Yes, your smart phone might jealously hold secrets of mobile game cheats and "LIKED" YouTube cat videos, but more than that, they also help make your daily commutes 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 (Apple)

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 you:

• Navigate your way through Metro Manila traffic, which includes the following: EDSA, C5, SLEX, Roxas Blvd, Ortigas, Commonwealth, Marcos Highway, Katipunan, España, & Quezon Ave.
• View the traffic situation in System, Map or Line View
• View road incidents that might affect your normal travel times
• Share or Report traffic info via Twitter
• View problem areas so you can avoid them
• Help you through MMDA FAQs
• Show you the MMDA Directory

The MMDA app has gotten quite good reviews from users, so it’s worth trying out when you’re on the road.

2. MMDA Traffic Navigator (Android) or (Apple)

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 vehicular accidents, road closed/re-blocking, flood, stalled vehicle, and fire near you (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 Blvd., SLEX, NLEX
• MMDA's Twitter and Facebook feeds
• Nearest police stations, hospital and fire stations
• Call Emergency hotlines of the MMDA, PNP, NDRRMC, Red Cross, NLEX, SLEX, and so much more
• MMDA's special Announcements and FAQs
• Report suspicious activities to the MMDA

3. WAZE (Android) or (Apple)

Waze is the biggest community-based traffic and navigation app today. You and other drivers in your area can share real-time traffic and other road tips to save time, gas, and money. Features include:

• Live routing based on community driven, real-time traffic & 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 your route

4. PasaHero App (Android) or (Apple)

Pasahero helps protect passengers by broadcasting their trip details to 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 you to 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 near your vicinity.

This app is a Partner Transit Application of the Department of Transportation and Communications.

6. UBER (Android) or (Apple)

Need to go someplace fast? Try UBER. This American worldwide online transportation application gives commuters fast and reliable rides 24/7. Now, you don’t have to brave the sea of desperate commuters fighting for a seat on the MRT. What's more, your lungs won't have to bear inhaling all the noxious carbon monoxide when you ride the jeepney or bus.

Uber allows you to request a ride and pay with your credit card, cash, Apple Pay, Android Pay, or Paypal in selected cities. All you need to do is open the app and tell it where you want to go. The app will then use your location so your driver will know the exact place to pick you up. Once you've paid, you will receive a receipt in your mail confirming your payment.

Uber also allows you to see your driver’s picture, vehicle details, and where they are at the moment. You can also rate them and provide feedback.

7. Grab (Android) or (Apple)

Very similar to Uber, Grab offers fixed rates that you should agree with upfront. Payment is made via cash, credit car, or even a mobile wallet (coming soon). You also get an email receipt after your ride, and the app auto-detects your location as you choose your destination. Grab also allows you to track your driver on their exact location.

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 (Apple)

Nothing's worse than a perfectly-thought out adventure trip ruined by a super typhoon staring right at your face. Accuweather gives you the latest weather updates, and it also alerts you on dangerous thunderstorms within your vicinity. These alerts lead you to the maps section so you can see additional information.

9. Emergency Calls in Philippines (Android)

What will you do in an event of an emergency? This extremely handy app offers you the most widely-used phone numbers when making emergency calls to public institutions. It also gives you a huge access to Philippine government agencies and other institutions, so you can complain to them about the traffic.

The numbers are conveniently classified according to different categories, and all you need to do is press on the selected phone number you want and make your call. Some of the categories you'll find include:

- Police, Fire, and Ambulance Assistance - Weather Concerns - Natural Disasters - Transportation, and Basic Utilities - Government Agencies, and Hospitals - Telecommunications, and Mobile Services

10. Google Maps (Android) or (Apple)

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 you an estimate of your travel time.

Another helpful feature we especially love is that it can help you customize your 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.

There you have it — mobile phone applications that will help you brave through your perilous daily commutes around the country. Keep in mind that these apps are not always accurate, so it’s always a good idea to do a bit of research as well. It also won't hurt to ask people around. That way, you’re assured that you arrive safely and conveniently in your chosen destination.