A chat feature of a popular navigation app used by motorists has caught attention as Filipinos face heavy traffic with the approach of the holiday season.
On Wednesday, December 10, automotive publication VISOR shared a screengrab sent by a reader, featuring a chat among motorists in the Waze app.
According to the app, the Waze users were in the westbound lane of Marcos Highway in Pasig City and experiencing “standstill traffic.”
Some users shared their comments in the “Map Chat” feature, which allows Wazers to communicate with others in their vicinity by sharing information and updates about road conditions and hazards, among others.
In the screengrab, Wazers can be seen chatting to pass the time while stuck in traffic.
The post has amused many Filipinos on social media.
“Traffic stuck up shenanigans,” a Facebook user said.
“Hahaha ganda, ganyan, bawal pikon. Baka mga dating batang DOTA players ‘yan,” another quipped, referring to a multi-player online video game.
“Ito ‘yung masaya sa Waze app kapag traffic, puwede ka makipagusap sa kapwa ‘Wazers’ para hind boring,” a different Pinoy commented.
“Tanggal bagot sa heavy trafik ‘yan, hahaha,” another wrote.
“Hahaha sa sobrang trapik, naghanap ng paglalabasan ng sama ng loob e, hahahaha,” another commented.
The same feature was previously discussed by another Facebook user, who shared a screen recording of the Map Chat on the evening of Saturday, December 6, when motorists on Marcos Highway experienced a “carmageddon.”
RELATED: What caused the Dec. 6 Marcos Highway ‘carmaggedon’? Rizal gov explains.
“Grabe, ginawa [nang] GC [group chat] ang Waze dahil sa traffic yarn,” the user said in a Facebok Reel.
Her post has earned 19,900 likes, 2,600 shares, and over 150 comments.
Waze is an app used by motorists to get real-time traffic and driving directions, traffic updates, and road alerts from other users, helping them find the fastest routes in their area.
Meanwhile, traffic has been heavier in recent weeks as the Christmas season approaches, with malls extending hours and holding sales, and communities holding Christmas parties, among others.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said it has intensified its clearing operations on Mabuhay Lanes, designated alternate routes to help motorists avoid congested main roads like EDSA.
The MMDA also announced it has coordinated with the Department of Transportation to extend operating hours for the MRT, LRT and other public transport systems in a bid to encourage commuters to avoid using private vehicles.
