To whom it may concern,

I have been working in transportation in New York City since 1987, with extensive knowledge of all five boroughs and their surrounding areas. After recently returning to professional driving, I have observed several operational issues within the Waze application that could be significantly improved. Based on decades of real‑world experience—from the era of paper maps, common‑sense routing, and practical orientation—I am submitting the following technical suggestions.

1. Speed‑History Capture When Passing Traffic Enforcement Cameras
   The camera‑alert feature is currently the most consistently useful function for professional drivers. I propose an enhancement that would greatly benefit users and could justify a premium subscription tier: When a vehicle passes a traffic enforcement camera, Waze should automatically record the vehicle’s speed, precise location, date, time, and camera type. This would create a verifiable speed‑history log that drivers could use to dispute incorrect or questionable violations.

2. Professional Profile & Experience‑Based Routing Algorithm
   Waze should allow users to optionally identify their profession or level of local driving experience. This would enable the system to learn from high‑experience drivers, improve routing logic based on real‑world knowledge, and prioritize routes commonly used by professionals who understand local traffic patterns.

3. Randomized Companion Voice Mode
   Passengers often become bored or annoyed by repetitive navigation voices. A “Random Companion Voice” mode would rotate voices automatically, providing a more pleasant and engaging experience for both drivers and passengers.

4. Multi‑Device Simultaneous Use
   Professional drivers frequently operate multiple devices at once. Waze should allow simultaneous operation across several devices without forcing one device to override or link to another.

5. “Preferred” Routing Mode Instead of Only “Avoid”
   The current routing options—Avoid Highways, Avoid Tolls, Avoid Ferries—are too rigid. A flexible “Preferred/Neutral/Not Preferred” system would allow Waze to weigh user preferences without forcing extreme routing behavior. For trips over four miles, Waze should avoid sending drivers onto a highway unless the entrance is near the origin and the next exit aligns with the destination. Additionally, routing should distribute traffic more dynamically instead of funneling all drivers into the same congested corridor.

6. Critical Voice‑Guidance Errors in Lane Instructions and Exits
   Waze frequently instructs drivers to “keep left” repeatedly and then, within a few feet, suddenly instructs “exit right.” This is physically impossible and extremely dangerous. Lane guidance should use accurate and realistic instructions such as “stay in the center lane,” “stay near the right,” or “stay near the left.”

7. Correct Use of “Entrance” vs. “Exit”
   Waze often uses the word “exit” when drivers are actually entering a highway. This is incorrect and misleading. The correct terminology is:

Entrance when entering a highway

Exit when leaving a highway

This correction is especially important on Grand Central Parkway eastbound approaching Jackie Robinson Parkway, Van Wyck Expressway, Main Street, and Union Turnpike.

1. Routing Example Demonstrating Current Failures During a recent trip from East w168th Street in Manhattan to 680 Barbey Street Brookklyn, Waze suggested an unnecessarily long route via the Triboro Bridge, Grand Central Parkway, Van Wyck Expressway, the Pennsylvania Avenue exit, and Bay Parkway. The optimal route is significantly shorter and safer: FDR South → 59th Street Bridge → Queens Boulevard → Maspeth → Fresh Pond Road → Cypress Hills → Highland Park → Barbey Street. Waze should avoid forcing long highway loops when local streets provide a superior path.

Conclusion
These suggestions are based on decades of professional transportation experience in New York City. Implementing them would significantly enhance Waze’s reliability, routing accuracy, and overall safety for both drivers and passengers.

Thank you for your consideration.