Manila traffic can get the best of everyone. People do everything they can to get ahead of each other, even if it means going beyond the line like skipping queues at the station, hailing rides in the “no loading” zone or stealing someone’s taxi when another passenger has already hailed it. Oh, commuter life!
Like it or not, a little help from anyone or anything can get you far. It is the only way you can ease the pain of traffic and commuting. To help you lessen the agony of getting around in the Philippines, here is a list of helpful apps you can count on when you are on the road.
Waze– Thank God for Waze! Before you would only dream of having the power to see if there is traffic on your way to work, now it is possible with the help of this app. It gives you the best route to and from your home with real time traffic updates such as road hazards and accidents from other drivers and commuters. Though at times it leads you to dead ends, it finds its way back to your heart by finding alternative directions to get to your specified destination.
Available on iOS and Android
Google Maps– Gone are the days when you would walk around the block with a huge city map in your hand. That feels like ages ago, honestly. Now your phone can have everything you need. Google Maps is very easy to use. You just type your destination and voila, it tells you how near or far you are and how many minutes or hours it will take you to get to your next location by foot, by car, or by train. Easy peasy.
Available on iOS and Android
Uber– Navigating the city in a bumper to bumper situation can be taxing, especially if you are on the road most of the day. The best thing you could do for yourself is book a ride with Uber for a peaceful ride to your destination. You may choose Uber X for a regular private car, Uber Pool for a shared ride with other passengers, Uber XL for larger vehicles, or Uber Black for a more luxurious choice of vehicle. Fares may vary depending on your choice and you may pay with either cash or credit card.
Available on iOS and Android
Grab– If Uber is in high demand at the time of your booking, you may also try Grab. Choose from a selection of taxi, private car, ride sharing, 6-seater vehicle and premium car. One thing that Grab differs from Uber is that with Grab, the driver would know your destination at the time of booking, so if he is on the way to where you are going, he is more likely to accept you. Either way can have a positive or negative implication on you. Fingers crossed that the driver would just choose you no matter what. Business is business after all.
Available on iOS and Android
Sakay.ph– For commuters who take jeepneys, trains and buses, there is a local app that provides accurate and efficient ways to help you traverse Metro Manila. It gives you the step-by-step transit directions so you will know the fastest route to your workplace. It also provides comparison of routes based on duration and cost, so you can easily manage your time and money.
Available on iOS and Android
BGC App– BGC App is dedicated to commuters who are often in the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) area. It is one of Metro Manila’s hip and happening places consisting of corporate offices, retail establishments, entertainment hubs, and cultural outlets. This app lets you know real-time traffic updates, available parking spaces, and buses’ schedules. It also guides you on the latest happenings and movie showings in the city.
Available on iOS and Android
Spotify– The last helpful app does not tell you what roads are jammed or it does not pick you up for a private ride. What it does is bigger than that. It relaxes your mind and calms your soul through music. Spotify is a music, video and podcast streaming app that enables you to listen to your favorite music wherever you are. You may create your own playlist (think: MY TRAFFIC JAM) and tell traffic to kiss your behind because it can never dampen your mood when you have good music to listen to. Anything to get you through the day, right?
Available on iOS and Android
Here’s hoping you get to your destination with a sane mind and a full heart. Think of traffic as a state of mind. You can absolutely beat it! Remember that all these apps need internet connection so get a good wireless provider while you are in the country to take full advantage of these helpful features.
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