Take a swipe at Easter traffic
Research shows map app cuts driving times — and maybe stress levels.
Dreading the drive home after an Easter break? Relief from gridlock could be just a swipe of the finger away.
Heavy congestion brought parts of Auckland’s Southern Motorway, and State Highway 1 north and south of the City of Sails to a standstill on Friday as holidaymakers who had delayed travel due to Cyclone Cook left town.
Those keen on avoiding the worst of the gridlock tomorrow as the long weekend ends would do well to log into the Google map app.
Overseas research has shown the app has already proved to be a Godsend for Aucklanders, cutting driving times on average by 8 per cent and public transport times by 13 per cent.
The data crunched by AlphaBeta, a Sydney and Singapore-based economic strategy consultancy, showed Google Maps supported more than $600 million in consumer benefits for New Zealand in 2015.
The free app is worth $170 a year to New Zealanders through time savings to find local businesses, landmarks, travelling from A to B and planning overseas holidays, according to AlphaBeta.
Spokesman Konstantin Matthies said using techniques similar to New Zealand’s Automobile Association “we have found that using Maps to plan and navigate routes has cut driving times in Auckland by 8 per cent, or around four hours per year for every driver”.
Another benefit of the Map app, said AlphaBeta, is reduced environmental impact. It estimates savings of 14,500 to 19,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide — the equivalent of 3000 to 4000 fewer cars on the road.
The AA is using data collected from the Google Map app at more than 50 busy routes across Auckland to better understand the causes and effects of congestion.
There are plans for monthly reports on congestion trends, a possible television slot, advice for planned events and holiday traffic.
“We think this will lead to a more informed debate. That means keeping public expectations real and cutting out political promises of ‘silver bullet’ solutions,” said AA infrastructure principal adviser Barney Irvine.
Auckland Transport said one in three main roads will be congested by 2020.
“By focusing on the bigger picture and talking about what people can do to minimise some of congestion’s impacts, we can help to reduce some of the stress,” said Irvine.