MMDA launches ‘Friend Trip’ car pooling app

 

 

Facebook friends can now expand their connectivity not just online but on the roads of Metro Manila as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) launches a mobile app that allows car pooling.

 

Dubbed "Friend Trip", this mobile application aims at finding alternative means to solve traffic congestion at the same time help in easing pollution.

 

MMDA expects a continued increase in vehicle volume for the coming years.

 

Car sales are expected to reach 250 thousand units before the year ends in 2015.

 

Mobile users can avail of this app by signing up via Facebook and entering their phone numbers. The app finds who among their friends are already using this app. From here, they can choose between being a driver or a rider.

 

If you choose to be a rider, red, yellow and green indicators will flash on the screen. Red indicates that your friend's car is already full; Yellow is pending; Green indicates an available spot in the car.

 

This mobile app is now available for free on google play. It can soon be downloaded on apple store.

 

Click here to view Friendtrip on the Google Play store.

 

Users of this app will get to enjoy free travel (no monetary transaction) since it is designed to promote car pooling among friends.

 

MMDA explains that they particularly chose to partner with facebook because majority of the riding public are on this social media site.

 

Talking about security, MMDA Chairman Atty. Francis Tolentino assures the riding public on the safety features of the app.

 

Your facebook friend's profile pic and information will appear on the app.

 

"Hindi mo naman isasakay pag hindi mo friend. Hindi ka rin sasakay pag hindi mo friend." said Tolentino.

 

Minors will need parental consent in riding with a friend.

 

Meanwhile, MMDA is looking at giving incentives such as exemption from number coding scheme or extend window hours to drivers who would frequently accommodate their friends using this app. — TJD, GMA News