(CNN Philippines) — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has launched its new app, which allows carpooling among Facebook friends.
The application, called “Friend Trip,” was unveiled on Monday (May 18) by MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino to help resolve road congestion and pollution problems in the metro.
Tolentino said Facebook friends, who are living within the same area and are headed to the same destination, can opt to use the app.
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It can be availed by signing up through Facebook and entering the user’s phone number.
It works by helping users find who among their friends are already using it. They can then choose if they want to be a driver or a rider.
The app only recognizes the user’s Facebook friends, eliminating the probability of riding with strangers.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) expressed its support of the app but warned users to practice safety precautions while using it.
In a media briefing on Tuesday (May 19), Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Senior Supt. Bartolome Tobias said the app’s users should make sure that their Facebook friends are also their friends offline.
The PNP also said that users should be wary in revealing their activities on social media.
“Criminal elements may pose as your friend and know the exact details of your travel activities, if your security profile is not safe,” Tobias said.
He also warned against overloading a vehicle as it may lead to an accident.
Other precautions advised by the PNP include:
As much as possible, set posts to private. See to it that all your posts can only be seen by your immediate family or true friends.
Validate social media accounts of your friends and family. This can help eliminate fake or poser accounts who may have criminal intents.
Adopt safety tips while travelling. Make sure to check “B.L.O.W.B.A.G.E.T.S.” or the break, light, oil, water, battery, air, gas, engine, tools, and self.
Tolentino said the “Friend Trip” app also allows users to have the MMDA record all their trips as a safety precaution.
The app will be made available to Android and Apple users soon.
