Traffic Apps review - Monarchy style

Trapster vs Waze vs Google Maps (free apps)

I am relatively new to Bahrain but have been driving around for the past two weeks using all the above apps to accomplish the following;

• Know my way around Bahrain
• Finding major Landmarks
• Particular address
• Roads to avoid during traffic
• Warned of speed cameras or accidents

Available for iOS, Android and Windows phone. All apps require internet and GPS to be enabled on your handset

Location: Kingdom of Bahrain, Middle East

However this information applies to those countries where smartphones are adopted by masses. Now let me correlate each of the mentioned points against the apps.

Google Maps (KING)

Know my way around Bahrain – Excellent

Finding major Landmarks - Not a problem

Particular address - Very few roads are not marked but I expect goggle to update them soon.

Roads to avoid during traffic - No data

Warned of speed cameras or accidents - No data

Ideal for cautious and new drivers. Since major businesses and places are marked on Google, it is extremely easy to find address with landmarks.  Due to Google’s rivalry, turn-by-turn navigation will not be coming on iOS and windows, making it hazardous to use while driving. Since it does not rely of user data, the app works in all countries. 

Trapster (Prince)

Know my way around Bahrain – Above average

Finding major Landmarks – Mostly available

Particular address – Not very friendly

Roads to avoid during traffic – Limited data primary based on peer manually entering it.

Warned of speed cameras or accidents – Excellent, the app is known for its user based information which is peer reviewed.

Ideal for experienced and tickets prone drivers. The app is build to warn drivers against speed camera but lately a number of users are using the app to know their way around.

Waze (Crown Prince)

Know my way around Bahrain – Good for common places.

Finding major Landmarks - Excellant

Particular address – Average

Roads to avoid during traffic - Excellant

Warned of speed cameras or accidents – Limited information

Ideal for non-explorers and drivers finding ways to avoid traffic. Waze is a wonderful app, it uses it own maps which are build by its users as they travel around.  The app does an excellent job to provide information on traffic as it uses the user speed against the road marked speed. The reporting of all events directly depends on the number of users using it while driving.

You may wonder, why did I mention Ruler, Prince and Crown prince against my apps. Having been brough in the shadow of Arab monarchy, there terms hold great power and few insights, which I have derived over the years.

• King: The king if the president of the country and is the poster boy to the outside world. 
• Prince: King’s elder son, who is inline to succeed the throne. He share the same image has its father and known in the country.
• Crown Prince: Younger brother of the king, who is given some government ministry to handle. Generally, the crown prince is the most educated, smart and pro-reforms individual amongst his family.

Please share your comments about your experience with the apps.