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If your work day contains a lengthy commute, it's easy to fall into the zombie trap. Ground down by routine, delays and tiredness, we sink into seats and gaze into the middle distance, until our stop comes round.
But, in the age of smartphones, there are a wealth of ways to transform your commute into a fun, fulfilling and constructive journey that puts a bounce back in your step.
We've put together a selection of apps that range from the utterly practical to the entirely frivolous. All are guaranteed to make your commute better, and ensure you arrive at work feeling positive, in control and ready for action!
Could any of these apps improve the quality of your commute?
What have you done to make work wonderful? Share your stories on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #makeworkwonderful
Best Apps For Your Daily Commute
Podcasts(01 of17)
If you haven't discovered the joy of podcasts yet, then it's no wonder your commute needs a little rejuvenation!From comedy shows, to topical news discussions, download the iTunes Podcasts app, and then begin adding podcasts to your mobile device. We recommend TEDTalks as a fantastic start. One of these inspirational lectures might just even propel you into a promotion or new career! (credit:iTunes)
News 360(02 of17)
If you're lucky enough to have mobile data or free WiFi during your work commute, then it's worth downloading a top-notch news reader. At HuffPost, we like News 360. With its simple interface, artful curation of stories and easy to navigate menu, this app is precisely what you need when trying to sort through the news noise of the web! (credit:News 360)
Fuel Smart(03 of17)
In this time of austerity, can you really afford to ignore useful apps that tell you about best fuel deals for your commute in your area? Users of Fuel Smart log their most recent experiences of buying petrol via the app, so other drivers know which service stations are offering the lowest rates. The fuel-price contributions are colour-coded which allows the user to know the age of the fuel price information (e.g within one-week, 1 to 3 weeks and more than 3 weeks old.The app can also locate your nearest petrol station.Fuel Smart UK AsdaBPEssoMorrisonsSainsburiesShellTescoTexacoTotalQ8 (credit:Fuel Smart)
Kindle(04 of17)
You don't need to have a kindle reader with you to enjoy the wonders of digital reading. This app allows you to access all the documents, journals and books in your Amazon kindle store. So even if your tube journey is spent crammed in a tube carriage with no room to swing a reader, you can still whip out your phone and read another chapter of your latest book while wedged in a tight corner.Just don't forget to synchronise it before you leave the house! (credit:kindle)
Commute Greener(05 of17)
If you're concerned that your journey to work is destroying the planet, then there's a handy app for you. Commute Greener allows users to measure and reduce their carbon footprints. Using the app, you can set your target for reducing your personal CO2 footprint, watch your progress, and share your experiences online with other commuters. (credit:Commute Greener)
Cycle Streets(06 of17)
Quite simply this app is a cycle journey planner for cyclists, by cyclists.You can plan routes from A to B anywhere in the UK, with a choice of three routing modes to suit a range of cyclists from beginner to regular commuter. And the Photomap lets you submit photos of infrastructure problems or good practice around the UK.
Waze(07 of17)
Waze is an increasingly popular app among regular drivers who want to avoid unforeseen delaysRoad users type in their destination address and then drive with the app open on their phone.Local traffic activity will then be sent to the driver from other road users. Drivers can also share road reports on accidents, police traps, or any other hazards along the way, helping to give other users in the area a 'heads-up' about what's to come.
Live Trains(08 of17)
Try as you might, it's not always easy plan a train journey down to the last minute. Random obstacles can leave you frantic about catching your train, before arriving at a station only to discover your journey has been cancelled or delayed.Live Trains puts a stop to this merry-go-round of stress and confusion. The app allows you to check the times trains are arriving and departing stations in real time, so you can foresee delays, note which platform to head for and work out a Plan B, if you're running late. Utterly indispensable. (credit:Live Trains)
Scrabble (FREE) iPhone/iPad/Android(09 of17)
What better way to shake off the day’s stresses than with a good old-fashioned, relaxing game of Scrabble? Unless you’re a Scrabble purist, that is. If you’re still smarting over the sacrilegious changes EA has made to the original Mattel game, try Words With Friends.Visit the iTunes store for iPhone and iPad versions or Google Play store for Android devices. (credit:Electronic Arts Inc)
Yahoo(10 of17)
A weather app is something no discerning commuter should be without, whether you're a fan of technology or not.At present, the leader of the pack is Yahoo's app (winner of an Apple Design Award 2013), which combines detailed, accurate forecasting with a sublime interface. Boring weather predictions are transformed by stunning photography, and thoughtful quirks, such as photos that match your location, time of day, and current weather condition, ensure that you'll return to this app time and time again. (credit:Yahoo )
Buschecker(11 of17)
Trying to cut down commuter costs? Well make sure you have Buschecker downloaded on your phone in time for your next visit to London.The Buschecker app can predict when your chosen routemaster will arrive. So no longer will you be left uncertainly waiting for a bus that may, or may not, arrive. You can sit happily in your cafe, and then dash out just in time to catch your ride. This app turns bus travel in London into a more rational and predictable exercise. Although, sadly, it still can't prevent two buses coming along at once... (credit:Buschecker)
Google Maps(12 of17)
As long as you've got a network connection, Google Maps will soon become an invaluable addition to your commuter life. Its GPS device can find your exact spot and then move with you, as you travel.The only downside is that it's very easy to become entirely reliant on this app, so make sure you take a screen grab of useful maps ahead of any important journeys, just in case your phone loses its internet connection. (credit:Google Maps)
Tesco(13 of17)
There's nothing worse than feeling that your daily commute is waste of time. But with this app, you'll be able to keep on top of your domestic life, while heading into work. Supermarket apps vary widely in functionality, but the Tesco app consistently receives positive reviews from customers, because it actually makes their lives easier. The app allows you to find your nearest Tesco store wherever you are, add your clubcard and scan it at checkout straight from your phone, order and amend your grocery online shop while you're on the move and scan the barcodes of products that you've finished at home, so they're automatically added to your next shopping list. (credit:Tesco)
Sudoku(14 of17)
A must for Sudoku fans, this is by far the easiest way to play the number puzzle game on-the-go. No more rummaging to find a pen or getting newspaper print all over your hands. Visit the iTunes store for iPhone and iPad versions or Google Play store for Android devices. (credit:Finger Arts)
Trip Advisor(15 of17)
Instead of spending your commute dreaming about desert islands, why not plan your next holiday instead?Trip Advisor lets you search reviews for millions of hotels, restaurant and sites. Use it to find cheap flights, check prices and, most importantly, enjoy the searing honesty of the general public. Trip Advisor also offers a range of offline city guides, which are great for saving data charges when you’re abroad.
Account Tracker(16 of17)
Another way to get the most out of your commute, is to catch up on your finances. Account Tracker lets you track all of your bank accounts, bills and credit cards easily in one place. You can manage payments, set up a budget for yourself and create a handy pie chart to see the painful reality of how your money gets divided up each month.
Evernote(17 of17)
Don't let those 'lightbulb commuter' moments go unrecorded. Instead, download the Evernote app.Evernote lets you take down notes through text, audio or photo as well as save your favourite web pages. You can share your notes and sync with any device, so whatever you tap into your phone on the go can pop up on your computer at home. Warning: once you’ve tried it, you’ll find it hard to go back to writing stuff on your hand.