Waze to go: The app to cheat rush-hour traffic

Navigation app Waze has become so commonplace at this point, it is already hard to think of a life without it.

For almost two million Filipinos, this Google-owned app with more than 50 million users worldwide is one of the most crucial functions on their smartphone, doing wonders to relieve an already stressful drive.

Waze offers a crowdsourced way of navigating, meaning the app gathers data from all the smartphones actively using the app, such as the average travel speed and navigational movement of the vehicle, as well as the road layout.

Moreover, Waze also takes reports inputted by users—called Wazers—such as traffic condition, accidents, areas where police have been sighted, blocked roads, real-time fuel prices, and more.

These reports are sent to the Waze servers, which in turn are made available to all Wazers.

Analysis

Furthermore, Waze uses the data to deduce precious information that provides Wazers with the most optimal route for their destination, 24 hours a day.

Therefore, with more Filipinos on the road connected to their Waze app, the better the navigation information made available.

Waze allows users several options (adjusted in the app’s settings): fastest or shortest route, choice of using or avoiding toll roads, choice of using or never using dirt roads, or avoiding long dirt road, and the option to avoid major highways.

Thanks to a feature that computes travel time, the app choosing the “fastest route” mode may direct Wazers to a much longer—and sometimes unfamiliar route—but with less traffic congestion.

Timely information

Waze works best when those who use the app provide timely information that can be shared.
This leaves the community of Wazers with multiple alternatives, including much better routes that were not known to the Waze’s central brain before.

Waze relies on app users to be always connected to the internet, especially when on the road. This way, precious information is captured, and subsequently shared.

Because Waze depends on data stored in its Map Editor, there is a possibility of map errors especially on routes that are not in its data bank.
The app sorts out information on “new” routes that connected Wazers share, which eventually is shared with others.

Active Wazers’ interaction on the app is also crucial to gather and share information on how slow or fast traffic is moving on a certain road.

Using new data

If a Wazer takes the suggested route a few times, the app collects and starts to use this information in its routing algorithms.

Considering that Waze depends on data network connection, intermittent or poor internet connection could also affect its reliability.

For example, Waze does not cache reports or map issues. There is the possibility, therefore, that a number of Wazers may miss getting an updated or more reliable reports or route suggestions, more so when internet connection is weak.

Another interesting issue to note when using Waze is when encountering roads that branch out in several directions.

If a Wazer is driving at a faster speed, there is the possibility of missing the correct lane, especially when confronted with the choice of using flyovers or sticking to the at-grade lane.

Waze users should also consider the possibility of sudden road closures due to constructions, barangay events, accidents, and illegally parked vehicles.

Google Map option

Google Maps is also an alternative tool for motorists and commuters to check on road conditions or routes.
Unlike Waze, Google Map gives users the option to indicate preferences, such as the mode of transportation, i.e, public, private vehicle, walking or biking.

Waze, on the other hand, is more focused on users who are driving.
Therefore, if a significant number of commuters use Waze while biking or walking, the data culled from them can be marginally helpful for motorists plying the same route.

CCTV-based traffic monitor

Interestingly, another app that may be used in conjunction with Waze is the MMDA Traffic Navigator that allows users to view real-time the traffic situation in several major roads, namely Edsa, C5, SLEx, Commonwealth, Ortigas, Roxas Boulevard, Marcos Highway, España, Katipunan, and Quezon Avenue.

The app shows whether the traffic situation is light, moderate, or heavy, and can also be viewed in System, Line, or Map mode.

Indeed, while Waze may have some of the features offered by other traffic navigation aids, Waze continues to be the most popular app that, interestingly, provides welcome relief to most motorists who don’t want to deal with the everyday bumper-to-bumper traffic.