American commuters spend an average of 50 minutes in a vehicle each day. That’s almost equivalent to an hour-long lunch break or an entire episode of Chicago P.D. These precious minutes shouldn’t be wasted staring at the same diet pill ad or an acne prevention billboard every day. Taxi commuters can make the most out of this travel time with the right commuter tools. Here are five I highly recommend.

• Traffic Navigation App

At Universal Taxi, we make sure that our cab drivers are updated with the ins and outs of the city, particularly about news relating to transportation. As a commuter, it’s important that you have your own traffic navigation app to check the traffic situation before you hit the road. This way, you’ll be able to calculate if you need to adjust your time to avoid being late for your appointment. A traffic navigation app also helps in determining if your usual route is suddenly ridden with road hazards due to a vehicular accident.

Waze is a great navigation app.

• Audio Books

If your commute takes over 15 minutes, an audio book can help you easily pass the time. Reading in a moving vehicle is bad for the eyes. Listening to a book is the next best thing. If you’d rather read than listen to a new story, you can always find an audio version of your favorite book and listen to it. It would be like hearing the story from a new perspective while making the most out of your commute time.

Try Audible.com for

• Safety Kit

Each time you commute, you expose yourself to possible road accidents and disasters. That is a reality experienced by both public and private commuters. And while that fact can’t be denied, being proactive can be a big help in the event of a vehicle hijack, mugging, or accident. Pharmacies and drug stores sell ready-made safety kits. You can also build your own emergency kit. The basics include a couple of medical paraphernalia (antiseptic solution, tape and gauze, medicine), a whistle, an ID with your medical information, and an extra phone battery.

• Music Player

For many commuters, an MP3 player is a must. Music is an influencer. A good one can easily boost your mood. A music player helps in setting your frame of mind for the day ahead or soothing your nerves after a long day at work. Or to share your love of music, you can just ask your Universal Taxi driver to turn on the cab radio and tune into your favorite radio station.

• Travel Mug

Whether you’re running late or you just need another cup of coffee in your system, a travel mug lets you have your dose of caffeine without ruining your outfit or the cab interior. It need not be coffee all the time, you can fill the mug with your favorite tea or juice, or even a protein shake.

 

Travelling by taxi doesn’t need to bore or frustrate you all the time. With these tools, you’ll be able to make sure that your daily commute throughout Chicago is enjoyable and productive.