For serious city transit users, mapping apps are a must. It took so long to mourn HopStop, am I right? But thanks to Citymapper, I have my ultimate transport app. You get real-time routing, ability to share directions, the nearest Citibike and it even taps into the power of the sun (ok, maybe not). What you get is a stellar and seamless map app to get from point A to B in no time flat with an incredible user experience. It will almost make you forget all about HopSt…who?
My Quick Take:
**programming note: catch Shibani hosting Yahoo’s Q4 and full year earning release with CEO Marissa Mayer and CFO Ken Goldman on Feb 2, 2016 at 5pm ET. Watch it here **
Apple Maps doesn’t do it quite right. Neither does Google Maps. When you need a great user experience, transit data, real time information and the ability to find nearby subways in a glance, Citymapper answers the call. On top of that, the app delivers nifty features including where to find the closest Citibike, calories burned while walking and the ability to use the app offline (perfect for when you’re underground in a train without signal).
What It Is:
This app combines every mapping app you have ever used into one yet works like just like your typical mapping app. I type in my starting point (24th street in Chelsea) and my destination (in midtown), and Citymapper gives me walking, biking, bus and driving times plus suggested routes (E train in my case). It even gives me walking time with estimated calories burned (nice try, but you’d have to pay me to walk through Times Square, sorry). Nothing miraculous here, but what makes this great is the amazingly easy user experience and nice perks like the ability to order an Uber in the app and know approximate cost. You never have to log in, for added privacy, and it saves frequently searched locations without effort on your part.
One iOS user raves:
“I rely on many of Citymapper’s features living in NYC: live bus times (illustrated on a map, too!), remembering directions even if I don’t have service or the app closes, saving stops, the subway map, but especially the one that still blows my mind that Google Maps can’t figure this out after so many years: taking into account service advisories and routing me around them.”
Fine Print:
This is an urban dwellers best friend, not your driving app / Waze replacement. Currently available in 29 international cities and growing.
Get it here: Available on Android and iOS
**programming note: catch Shibani hosting Yahoo’s Q4 and full year earning release with CEO Marissa Mayer and CFO Ken Goldman on Feb 2, 2016 at 5pm ET. Watch it here **
