A review of MMDA's updated app

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has upgraded their official mobile application to Version 2.0.1, just over a month since the first version was released in September. Currently available exclusively for Apple's iOS platform, the MMDA app helps motorists and commuters plan their route and avoid traffic jams in the metro by displaying real-time traffic information in select major thoroughfares. The latest version of the app has added four more roads to the initial six available in the first version, letting users view traffic density in the following areas: EDSA, Ortigas, Commonwealth, Quezon Ave., España, Roxas Blvd., SLEX, Marcos Highway and C-5 (now extended towards Katipunan Ave.) The service gathers data round-the-clock from closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV's) installed in strategic areas across the metro, as well as reports from traffic officers in areas with no CCTV's. Viewing modes The Internet-based app offers three modes for viewing traffic conditions: the system view, map view and line view.

The system view shows Manila's major arteries on a simplified network map. Interconnected lines are marked by names of streets, roads and avenues and bare the colors green, yellow and red, corresponding to current traffic density in the area. The information button at the top right corner of the screen reveals the legend for interpreting the map.

The map view makes use of Google Maps' interface and is ideal for determining traffic in exact areas covered by the app. The information button is replaced by a crosshair, which then makes use of GPS data to zoom in on the approximate location of the mobile device.

The line view is arguably the easiest mode to navigate, as it offers a scroll down menu of the roads and their landmarks. Clicking on the individual tabs gives the user an option to share on Twitter traffic information for that area and report wrong data to MMDA's social media team.

Clicking the refresh button in system and map views and pulling down the menu in line view syncs the app to its data source, the MMDA Traffic Navigator website, ensuring the accuracy of information. The mobile app also features at least fifteen FAQ articles (e.g. No Smoking Policy, 10 Drivers that Drivers Should Know, Settling Outstanding Ticket) as well as the MMDA directory and its official links on the web. A user basically only needs to recall the three colors indicating light, moderate and heavy traffic (green, yellow and red, respectively) to be able to use the app with ease. Incompatibility with iOS5? One technical drawback the app seems to have is that version 2.0.1 crashes frequently on Apple's latest software update, iOS 5. The release does not state on its iTunes page whether it has resolved compatibility issues with iOS 5, but as most mobile applications have upgraded in line with the new software, perhaps it isn't too long until this bug is fixed. Also, unlike its previous version, the app now seems to be locked to portrait mode. Nevertheless, these drawbacks are considered minor in the larger scale. Verdict The MMDA app is easy to understand, even for non-techies. The app can reach its full potential once it expands coverage to all roads it can possibly cover, but for now, at no cost at all, it is a very useful tool people could use before they leave home or the workplace, especially for those who have internet access on-the-go. As of this writing, the app has been rated 235 times with an average of 3.5 stars and sits at the 63rd spot among the top free apps in the Philippines. — TJD, GMA News