Waze will help you avoid traffic jams around big events
A new partner program will provide event-related info to help you avoid delays.
Navigation apps like Apple Maps, Google Maps and Waze are good for letting you know when you're approaching a traffic jam. Waze is taking that task a bit further with its new Global Event Partner Program. The company is teaming up with organizers of big events like marathons and pro sports to keep you from experiencing unnecessary delays. Those partners will now be able to use the Waze Closure tool to input any scheduled closures ahead of an event. TechCrunch reports that event organizers will be able to add details like turn restrictions, lane reversals, parking locations for more than 65 million users.
What's more, a Live Map can be embedded on an event's website to provide updated information on traffic flow and more. Waze says that the new effort will help get attendees to and from events faster which will lead to happier fans and, in theory, more merchandise and concessions sales for the venues. Even if you're not going to the race or game, the app will let you know the areas to avoid when you're heading out on the roads close to where an event is being held.
The mapping app is launching the new initiative with 20 partners in North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe and Asia. Here in the US, that list includes the Atlanta Falcons (Georgia Dome), Washington Redskins (FedEx Field), Detroit Lions (Ford Field), Washington Nationals (Nationals Park) Atlanta Hawks (Phillips Arena) and the Rock n' Roll Marathon Series. Timing couldn't be better for Waze as a new NFL season is set to kickoff next month.
