It always seems like you're stuck in a traffic jam, doesn't it? Fortunately, there are a number of great traffic apps that can help you monitor the roads and traffic patterns, and get you home in a timely manner. Here are our top four picks.
Each of these traffic apps is known as a community-based app. This means that users can share real-time traffic and road information, keeping the application updated and relevant. In the five years or so since its official launch, Waze has won the hearts of many drivers, thanks to its reliability and ease of use. In addition to providing turn-by-turn directions, Waze allows users to report accidents, traffic jams, speed and police traps, and a slew of other factors that can contribute to heavy traffic. Fuel station and landmark indicators provide additional information to help drivers along their routes.
Waze is available for download on iPhone and Android. Founded by two former Microsoft employees, INRIX is a mobile traffic app that uses historical and traffic information, traffic forecasts, and driver history to calculate travel times and map the most efficient route for drivers.
INRIX is available for free on iOS (including iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch), Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone smartphones, as well as Windows 8. Glob is a free communal traffic info and driving assistant application that is used by over 3 million drivers worldwide. Similar to Waze and INRIX, Glob specializes in providing real-time traffic updates for drivers. What sets Glob apart from other applications is its practice of ecolomy, or offering drivers basic fuel-saving tips based on their routes.
Glob is currently only available on Android. Whether you're a world traveler or a restaurant guru, Michelin is a name that is trusted worldwide. Its traffic application, Via Michelin, is a maps and routes planner that offers traffic updates, GPS with voice guidance, community alerts, estimated fuel cost, route personalization, simplified map ergonomics, as well as indicators for parking lots and gas stations.
Via Michelin is available for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone.