In 2014, traffic doubled in Bogota, Colombia over the previous last 10 years, government officials found. One app developer said he has the solution to congested roads. CCTV America’s Michelle Begue reports.

New mobile app helps Bogota commuters share rides, alleviate traffic

In 2014, traffic doubled in Bogota, Colombia over the previous last 10 years, government officials found. One app developer said he has the solution to congested roads. CCTV America's Michelle Begue reports.

Wilber Jimenez Hernandez, the CEO of Wheels S.A.S, believes Colombia’s traffic issues are due to inefficient use of transportation. According to a 2013 government statistics report, 58 percent of private cars didn’t carry any passengers during rush hour. And while private vehicles typically only carry one person, busses overflow with riders.

Improved distribution would allow transportation to flow faster, he said.

This thought was the inspiration behind his mobile application called “Wheels“. The platform connects millions of private car drivers with other citizens who take the same route, so they can carpool. It also helps people connect with others to share a taxi or ride bikes together.

When people download Wheels they have the option of building their network of friends, colleagues, and neighbors, so that they can see what their routes are each day.

The app has been promoted throughout companies and universities so that people with the same destination can get to know each other.

Since the app launched in 2015, Wheels has gained 40,000 users in Bogota, Medellin, and in Mexico City. The company is looking to expand their network, so that more global citizens can enjoy the benefits of sharing their commutes.

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