Does DC gridlock traffic have you down? Don’t worry, be app’y.
The bad news is that District is ranked the 2nd most congested state in the US. The good news is that it’s also ranked the 3rd most innovative in the country. So, chances are, if you’re in need of something, there’s an app for that.
DC drivers spend an average of 155 hours per year stuck in congestion, almost a full day longer than New York City commuters. Ugh. Openbay is here to alleviate some of the commuter woes with the best apps to keep DMV’s movers and shakers moving and shaking.
Get Around without Wasting Time
Waze: By the people, for the people.
For anyone looking to avoid traffic, police cars taking radar, potholes and objects on the road, Waze is your new best friend. This free app crowdsources traffic patterns and police traps in real-time to save you time, and a ticket. You can unlock additional Waze features by participating in the Waze community, clicking a thumbs up or thumbs down for traffic, adding a police radar alert or reporting a pothole or object on the road. You can also navigate to the cheapest gas station on your route, all powered by community-shared gas prices.
SpotHero: Parking for planners.
Reserve and pay for parking ahead of time with parking options ranging from one-day to monthly. Users can reserve parking spots at reduced rates and can cancel up until a minute before their reservation begins.
ParkMobile: Keep the change.
More and more parking meters are going digital, which means that loose change can stay in your cup holder. Simply register your vehicle and enter your meter code into the ParkMobile app to pay for parking. When your time is up, you won’t have to run back to feed your meter since you can add more time to the meter from your phone. The app will also tell you if your spot doesn’t require a fare that day (many meters are free in DC on Sundays). Plus, you can reserve spots ahead of time for concerts and sporting events. If you are traveling into the DC suburbs you should download Pango.
Drive with Peace-of-Mind
Openbay: Take the guesswork and hassle out of auto repair.
Business Insider just rated Openbay as one of the “11 of the best car apps you can download today.” Within a few clicks, Openbay connects you with local, trusted mechanics to get you back on the road with peace-of-mind guaranteed. Compare car repair and maintenance quotes, book an appointment and pay securely online. Get your car road trip-ready and never get hit with an unexpected repair bill again.
Put Your Car to Work
Carvertise: Make your car a moneymaker.
You (and your car) can start earning a flat monthly fee ranging from $100 to $150 for participating in Carvertise campaigns. This Wilmington, Delaware-based company pays everyday car drivers to ride around with advertisements and brand messages on their vehicles. Companies have to get creative to advertise in DC since there are no billboards allowed in the city. Take advantage of this creative approach by slapping a logo on your car and putting your car to work.
Start a side hustle driving for Lyft
Did you know that Virginia’s Fairfax County is the birthplace of ridesharing? Better known as “slugging”, “instant carpooling” or “casual carpooling” in DC and NoVa, slugging was created by commuters for commuters in 1975. Hop on the ridesharing wagon with these tips to get you started on your side hustle as a Lyft driver.
Live Your Best Life
GetUpside: Unbeatable deals on gas, groceries and restaurants.
One of DC Inno’s 19 D.C. Startups to Watch in 2019, GetUpside partners with local businesses (gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants) who want to win you over with great deals. Earn up to 25 cents/gallon cashback on gas, 15% cashback on groceries and 35% cashback at restaurants. According to a user, “I am up to $36 after 4 months for not doing anything more than buying the gas I normally would have.”
Tour24: The smart way to apartment hunt.
Take a self-guided apartment tour on your own schedule. This app uses smart-home technology like app-connected locks and lights to give potential tenants access to model units and amenities. Moving sucks, so here’s one way to make it a little less painful.
Soothe: #TreatYourself to a massage at home after a long commute.
This app sends a pro masseuse to your doorstep. Schedule a 60-minute, 90-minute or 120-minute massage, and a five-star masseuse will show up to your door within an hour. The price you pay is reasonable compared to what you might expect, and the service is available seven days a week, from 9am to midnight.
When Hunger Strikes, Skip the Drive and Get it Delivered
HUNGRY: Jay-Z and Usher’s New favorite caterer.
This Arlington-based catering startup just landed investments from Jay-Z, Usher and Motley Fool. Order hassle-free catering from top local chefs and get it delivered to your office, starting at $10 per person. More than 400 companies in the DC and Philadelphia areas use it, including Amazon, E-Trade, Microsoft and WeWork. Hungry also has a social-impact mission behind it. The startup donates one meal for every two purchased and uses biodegradable plates and cutlery with delivered meals.
Turo: No car? No worries.
Skip the car rental counter and book better cars shared by local hosts. Turo rental rates are up to 35% less than car rental agencies. Like Openbay and SpotHero, Turo also made Business Insider’s list of the “11 of the best car apps you can download today.”
Worried about how Amazon HQ2’s upcoming arrival will impact the already-congested DC Metro roadways? Check out: Virginia is for Lovers…and Amazon HQ2: How DC Metro Communities and Commuters are Preparing.