The 9 Apps Making Your Commute Easier

Image by Dariusz Sankowski from Pixabay

We’re living in the age of “Smart”: Smart homes, smartphones, even smart shopping. Now let’s take it a step further.

Introducing the Smart Commute — using mobile technology to make your commute easier, quicker, and more environmentally friendly.

Start making your commute smarter today with these nine smartphone apps, all available right here in Legacy.

GoCarma

The free GoCarma app exists to help North Texas commuters save 50 percent in tolls on TEXpress lanes during peak periods. Read more: New HOV GoCarma App Simplifies Carpooling, Saves Drivers Big Money

TryParkingIt

TryParkingIt helps commuters find greener commute options like carpool, vanpool, and transit in North Central Texas. The app also lets users track micro-transit trips like biking and walking. Join today to begin earning instant rewards. Read more: Try the New TryParkingIt.com platform to find travel buddies, information on the difference you are making, and for access to rewards.

Waze

Waze helps drivers easily find their destinations while remaining aware of road hazards and traffic in real time, making it ideal for users on the go. Those wanting to offset the cost of their commute can also check out Waze Carpool, an app helping commuters find other people traveling on a similar route to their own.

The City of Plano’s Department of Traffic/Transportation has also partnered with Waze to help the city better identify and solve traffic problems. By driving with Waze, you’re helping yourself, your friends, and even your city.

Spinlister

The emerging bike-share industry is working to disrupt commutes and make it easier for every person to get around on two wheels. Legacy-area individuals can go to the Spinlister website, enter some dates, and borrow a bike for a fee.

GoPass

DART’s GoPass app streamlines the transit experience from fare-payment to route-planning. The free app lets commuters choose their fares and pay accordingly — with options ranging from hourly to day to monthly passes — and makes bus and train commutes easy: simply choose a destination and let the app tell you how to get there and when you’ll arrive. Read more: How Technology Is Making Your Commute Easier

Strava

Strava, called the “social network for athletes” is designed for those who enjoy running, walking and cycling — whether it’s for an intense workout or a commute completed on foot or on two wheels.

The app offers stats and data about your workout and lets you share your location with friends, helping you stay safe during your run/walk/ride to work. Best of all, you can share your exercise stats with friends, jumpstarting a friendly (or fierce) competition.

greenMeter

greenMeter, available on iPhone, literally coaches you to make your driving more efficient. The app tracks your driving habits, computes your vehicle’s power and fuel usage, and offers tips on how to reduce your fuel use and your environmental impact.

TomTom

TomTom’s mobile app gives drivers a lot of different options when planning a route, including finding a driver the fastest route and the most eco-friendly route. TomTom’s eco mode helps drivers identify which route will result in the lowest output of greenhouse gases, saving drivers gas money and protecting the environment at the same time.

Google Maps

Let’s be honest, everyone knows they can use Google Maps to find directions from Point A to Point B. But, did you know you can also use it to navigate a DART Bus route, plan a cycling route, hail a ride from a service like Uber and Lift, and even help you locate an e-scooter? Click here to download Google Maps for iPhone or Android.