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Commuting Karma: How Technology Can Make Getting to Work Less Stressful

It’s wonderful to have roads strewn across the country and beyond. But, it’s unlikely that previously traveled routes won’t go by without a few bumps; it can be just as stressful getting down the street to the market or across the city to work. But not if you are commuting with technology’s help.

Parking Apps

Imagine finally finding a spot in busy NYC or along a crowded beach in the summer months but worrying about going to and fro to keep tabs on parking meters. Apps take the stress out of such events so you can enjoy your time. For example, ParkMobile alerts drivers when their time is near up so they can head back or pay straight from the phone.

All Electronic Tolls

Imagine less traffic or stoppages in order to pay tolls. Some states are adopting such technology and dramatically improving the time drivers are on the road. It’s also improving the safety of local roads, for fewer accidents and speeding takes place; more drivers opt to stay on seamless highways versus driving back roads to avoid bottlenecks and toll roads. In other situations, electronic signs will alert drivers of the best lanes to take as they approach the tolls. In high volume areas like NYC, such information can save drivers a lot of time and stress.

Contactless Cards

SEPTA, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority, offers an open fare payment system to riders of buses, trolleys, subways, etc. Other transportation organizations allow riders to exercise contactless cards, key fobs, or phone apps to gain access to trains, buses, etc. It’s easier than ensuring you have exact change and safer than carrying paper money late at night or through high crime areas.

Smart Data

For decades, city transportation relied on the planning of engineers. While some passenger data was maintained, officials and engineers could not visualize how busy areas got at certain times. Today, things have changed, and engineers collect information about passenger choices and high volume times and areas. The data helps private and government providers make better decisions about running routes and how many buses are on the road, trains on the track, and needless traffic on the road.

You’re Never Lost

How often do you carry your smartphone with you? If you’re like most, it’s just about all of the time. That means it’s likely you’ll never get lost since you have access to a barrage of direction and travel apps. Remember when a wrong turn en route to a new hangout, friend’s house, or date meant high anxiety and delayed plans? Not anymore because TomTom and other manufacturers ensure you’ll safely get where you need to go turn by turn.

Voice Command

Ironically, today’s travelers can manipulate their phone, talk on the phone, and commit to other functions from behind the wheel. Voice command allows for toggling through music libraries, finding a friend’s phone number, and getting directions to the next destination. Consider the unsafe and illegal gestures otherwise needed. Newer vehicles offer voice recognition function from the dashboard. View Subaru new car models for affordable and sleek options.

Cams Shall Guide You

Some are afraid of parallel parking. In other situations, a small pet or child could find their way behind a vehicle. Such situations are improved and avoided with car cams. A camera in the rear of a vehicle helps drivers make precise movements, get in tight spots, and avoid obstacles. Likewise, dashboard cameras record ongoing events or relay information back to worried or speculative parents of teen drivers.

Found Money

Being a stickler for a few pennies has its benefits but the time and resources needed to count pennies deters many from doing so. Imagine, however, the added money earned if you could save money each time you needed to fill the tank. A dollar or two per visit to the pump may not affect many but that amount over the course of the year adds up. Apps help locate and compare the cost of gas rates for interested and richer drivers.

Entire Library Access

For years, music lovers had to find ways to enjoy their favorite tunes while riding in the car. Traditionalists stuck with what was offered in cars, such as cassette and CD players. The flashiest had multiple disc carousels to boost the number of selections. Today’s listeners have instant access to their entire music libraries and in some cases the libraries of friends, family members, and strangers with similar to contrasting tastes.

 Nicholas Parker loves how technology can make his life so much easier. His articles cover this topic with him sharing his thoughts and tips on what to buy, and what not to buy in terms of apps and gadgets.

Comments

  1. Mary Ambrosino says

    I think the best invention sice sliced bread was GPS. I cannot tell you how many times I remember my Mother and Father stopping to ask directions when we ere kids and took a road trip.

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