Manila MRT/LRT commuters, who have smartphones, can now avail of the open beta version of the MRTtrackr, a social train tracking application that can help users track the MRT/LRT in the Philippines.
With the use of real-time information displayed by this application, MRT/LRT passengers can determine the estimated crowd in each station and can plan ahead of time if it's convenient to commute via MRT/LRT at that time.
The MRT tracker application's features include:
- find the station nearest you
- provide train itinerary
- notifies with voice alert upon reaching destination station
- give current crowd estimate at a certain station
- show up-to-date news relevant to public
The MRTtrackr app has a facebook page. Find it here.
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As for me, I find this app useless since most commuters are already aware of the time/periods where particular stations are too crowded. Also, most commuters are knowledgeable of the order of stations. Commuters, in a public transportation vehicle, wouldn't want to bother or disturb other commuters with a beep coming from the phone itself. It's noisy.
However, one significant feature of this app would be to be able to provide current news, e.g. when MRT/LRT trains are stopped due to technical problems. At least, the commuters who are yet to go to the stations will have an idea, evade such headache, and choose an alternative transportation vehicle.
I personally think this could only serve very helpful to tourist and non-Mega Manila smartphone users.
