Traffic jams at events are now a regular sight and Waze wants to counter this problem. The GPS navigation app is now working with different event organizers to create an improved communication system during events and reduce traffic problems and congestion. This will be done through its Global Event Partner Program.
With this program, Waze is calling out to organizers of events that can have an impact on traffic while the event is going on. The Google owned company will provide custom access to the participants of the events using its technology. In return, it wants to get all the information in advance, such as roads that will be closed during the event and real time traffic information.
Waze wrote about the program on its website: “Only Waze offers a free traffic management program enabling real-time road closures, full communication with local drivers and up-to-the-minute detours to get drivers to your event more quickly, safely and happy.” People who want to be part of the program can join Waze by signing up here.
Apart from giving information about road closures to its users, Waze will also inform about available parking spots so that participants don’t have to spend a lot of time finding a place to park their cars. It has already 20 partners on board for the project, which include Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Events, Nationals Park, Ford Field and Georgia Dome.
Partners in the program can add the details of road closures through the Waze Closure Tool. The software can be used to add other information as well, such as lane reversals and turn restrictions so that there is no traffic congestion in the areas. Other event related information can also be entered on the app.
Waze, which has over 65 million monthly active users (MAU), said that the event organizers do not have to pay any fee to join the program. Their request to join the platform will only be accepted if they make their drivers use the Waze app for navigation. This would help Waze gather live data, allowing it to improve its network.