http://bit.ly/R8B46K
Mediacaster Magazine
2012-09-05
CTV News has a new Live Alert Traffic App specifically tailored to the Metro Vancouver area, and drivers themselves are a key source of information for the service.
Available now at the newly redesigned bc.ctvnews.ca<http://bc.ctvnews.ca/> and popular app download sites, the free CTV Morning Live Traffic Alert App is available for iPhone, BlackBerry and Android smartphones.
Powered by users running the app safely while they drive, traffic information is automatically updated to other users behind them. The system also uses historical traffic patterns along with weather, time of day, and seasonal information to verify and predict the traffic ahead.
Developed by GreenOwl Mobile<http://www.greenowlmobile.com/>, the app uses the built-in GPS technology, hands-free operation and audio capabilities of smartphones.
The Canadian company developed its core traffic monitoring application (TrafficAlert) to assist commuters and alert users in real-time of traffic problems and delays.
The app also monitors traffic five kilometres ahead, developers describe, alerting drivers to recorded traffic issues and letting them know how to beat the traffic and avoid upcoming issues or trouble spots.
“Traffic can make or break your day,” said Ann Luu, Traffic Reporter for CTV Morning News. “CTV Morning News Live invites users of this app to become reporters themselves, helping us get people to their destinations faster with as little headache as possible.”
App users are encouraged to safely report any traffic issues on their routes, turning users into traffic reporters. Users get real-time voice alerts on unexpected traffic issues, with affected street segments and speed information. Also, a feature called “Community Favourite” is a function that puts commonly travelled routes at users’ fingertips.