Safaricom in partnership with Google has launched Waze a mobile application that will offer motorists real-time traffic information, based on crowd-sourced data from other road users.
The newly launched application is already in use in other countries as a traffic information tool that collates information generated by other users on the same route, to gather information on accidents, impassable sections of the road route, traffic jams, which is then used to provide the end user with advice on potential alternative routes.
By launching the application, Safaricom is looking to maximise on mobile technology that has evolved from being just a tool that enables interpersonal communication to being a value-added solution in many sectors. in this case, Safaricom will be competing against Ma3route a transit communication platform that Kenyans share traffic updates through text and photos.
Using voluntary feedback from subscribers on the Safaricom network, Waze provides the user with a view of a map that has been layered onto Google Maps. The maps provide real time updates on road conditions, and depending on the situation, the app can suggest alternative routes for users to take in order to get to their destination faster.
The partnership between Safaricom and Google comes on the back of the announcement that Safaricom is planning to extend its 4G network to 15 major towns, and increase its 3G coverage countrywide. The partnership leverages on the fact that there are over 11 million data subscribers on the network who access the internet through their phone.
Using a traffic bar, the application will calculate the amount of time spent in the jam and update your progress as you move along. At the same time you will also receive information generated by other motorists.
Waze is available on the Android or iOS App Stores. Upon downloading and activating the program, customers will only be required to enter details of their destination to access traffic information. If enabled, the devices can passively contribute similar information for other road users by continuing to run as a background application.
Acquired by Google in 2013, Waze is already used by 4.4 million motorists in 200 countries.