05 May,2014 08:51 AM IST | | Agencies
Some of the most productive websites/apps are related to travelling, especially those which help motorists and commuters using public transportation. mid-day brings you three such websites/apps that have made a difference
Trafficapp
>> Traffline
One of the oldest and renowned softwares, it informs users about the possible traffic situation in the city on real-time basis. The app was launched by the city traffic police department. Over the time, the app got twitter connectivity using which motorists keep updating status of traffic on the city roads. This app can be downloaded on any of the android phones. Besides proving real-time details of traffic jams, it also suggests the best alternative routes to the user. "The response to Traffline has been really good. It is being further improved as and when required, as technology improves," said B K Upadhaya, Joint CP (Traffic).
Representation Pic/Thinkstock
>>SmartShehar
"Using this app, a person can find out the nearest bus stop and route details of a specific bus - such as its starting and ending point," said Chetan Temkar, founder of the app. He also claims that the app has a safety feature for women. "If a woman feels she is being stalked, she can immediately send an SMS to her emergency contacts, along with a link of her current location," Temkar added. The next step Temkar said was âcrowd sourcing' through which people using the app can update real-time location of a bus between two stops.
>> SmartMumbaikar
At a time when carpooling has failed to make a mark in the city, this app seems to have taken the onus onto itself to revive the concept. This app helps users of the same route travel together, in the same vehicle. "A person simply needs to give a missed call on our helpline number. We will then check who all are taking the same route and inform these persons in 10 minutes. If in case there are none, even then we inform the person who had called us," said Raxit Sheth of SmartMumbaikar.
If a group of people are found to be travelling on a particular route, they are informed accordingly. The group then coordinates and travels by sharing an auto, taxi or a private vehicle. People share the fare depending on the location they would be alighting at. The idea behind the website is to lessen the number of vehicles on roads and promote carpooling.
