Whether you live in Boston, or are passing through town, these are the five best apps to help take the edge off of sharing the road with the worst drivers in the country.
Best Car Apps, Especially for Drivers in Boston
TrueMotion: Because driver distraction runs rampant
TrueMotion holds drivers accountable, increasing safety on the roads. It uses sensor technology to determine whether you’re the driver or passenger, and scores your attentiveness or lack thereof. It’ll also provide feedback on your driving style, so if you take the hint to ease off the aggressive braking and acceleration, TrueMotion might even increase your gas mileage (and make Bostonians better drivers).
Best Parking: Because you need a garage spot without emptying your wallet
Best Parking reveals parking costs for garages across the city. Sort parking costs by neighborhood, attraction, address and cross street, and even see photos, so you’re sure not to pull into the wrong one. It lists hourly parking, special deals, and monthly parking costs. Bad at math? Enter your arrival and departure time, so you know exactly what to budget for parking. No more getting hosed on parking for those already pricey family trips to the Aquarium.
GasBuddy: Why would you pay more for gas if you could avoid it?
GasBuddy knows that even when gas prices aren’t sky high, they can vary by about 20 cents a gallon from block to block. GasBuddy’s vast community – 56 million users — enter information on gas prices, so they’re accurate, even if the gas station has changed pricing, midday, and it offers daily prizes for those who contribute real-time pricing. They’re available nationwide, and Boston drivers are especially thrilled that GasBuddy has relocated its headquarters to downtown Boston.
Openbay: Because car repair is a hassle
Openbay helps drivers to compare, book and pay for auto repair and maintenance. If your poorly maintained old car fails inspection while you’re studying for exams, Openbay will quickly deliver you a range of local shops’ quotes to choose from and book an appointment, without ever having to pick up the phone. Once the service is complete, pay via the app. It also tracks your service history online, and lets you know which services you need, based on the mileage.
ParkBoston: Because you haven’t carried cash or quarters in years
ParkBoston is a brilliant app, which ensures that Boston drivers will never have to head to the bank for quarters again, in order to park on the street. Once you park at a Boston meter, look for a sticker that indicates your zone. Enter that into the app, and pay for the meter via credit card on the app, like you do everything else. It’ll even sound an alarm when your meter’s about to expire.