How to Use: Metroman Mass Transit APP
Even after living in NYC for almost half a decade, I still relied on a transit app to help me navigate the city’s labyrinthine assortment of subways, buses, and ferries. Up until this recently, I hadn’t found anything comparable to help my network and myself get around Shanghai more easily. That is, I didn’t have anything until a friend showed me Metroman: the app that’s going to drastically simplify your commutes. Although this app is actually available to assist you in a variety of cities—everywhere from Moscow to Madrid to Delhi—I’ve only used this app in Shanghai. But, based on how great it is here, I’m sure it’ll be more than useful in its other offered cities. Of the app’s main screens, I’ll discuss the three most useful below; but, first of all, download the app!
Search:
The search screen is pretty straightforward, but entirely removes the hassle of peering onto one of the maps on the Shanghai metro machine screens while dozens of impatient Chinese commuters pressure you from behind. You simply put in what station you are at, the station you want to go to, and the time (default is ‘Now’), and the app creates the top routes for you to take, complete with the time the trip will take and total distance.
Timing, Fare, and Optional Routes
It even lets you know how much the trip will cost! Whether you budget every expense because of OCD or because you get a travel stipend from work, Metroman is here to help organize your city travel plans so you’re never late and never over-spend.
RouteMap:
While similarly saving you from being berated by annoyed Chinese commuters from behind while you use the subway ticket machines as a faux-map, the RouteMap is super convenient for quick questions like “Hey what direction am I going in again?” or “How many stops away is Xintiandi again?” It also just easily allows you to speedily pinpoint things like where a certain stop is in the city or where two lines explicitly intersect.
Maps:
Finally, the Map screen is also extraordinarily useful. It shows a map of your surrounding area in real time, including EXACTLY where every exit is for every subway stop, as well as each colored subway route. Additionally, Metroman informs you of stoplights, pedestrian-overhead walkways, ATMs, western restaurants, and so much more that other maps simply can’t compete. Essentially, this app trumps any of the other major map apps when it comes to getting around Shanghai. If you want speed, efficiency, and intuitiveness, download Metroman stat.
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