CTRMA partners on traffic management app

The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority and technology company Metropia announced Wednesday that they have launched a free app — also called Metropia — designed to help residents shorten travel times and earn rewards. According to a news release, the app, which has been in beta testing in Austin since September, “helps users determine their optimal commute and makes use of existing roadway capacity by directing drivers to less crowded roads and freeways, easing congestion throughout the city.” In addition, users can earn points that can be redeemed for rewards at certain local businesses. Development of the app is part of a federally funded pilot project aimed at helping drivers keep up with lane closures associated with construction on MoPac Boulevard. CTRMA is currently working on the MoPac Improvement Project, which involves adding an express lane in each direction of the highway between Cesar Chavez Street and Parmer Lane. Users can download the app from the App Store and Google Play.