“In 100 meters, turn left.” “You have reached your destination.”

Sound familiar? Yes, that’s right, the lady who lives in your Garmin PND (Portable Navigation Device), telling you what to do and where to go. Starting now, with the launch of Traffic on Garmin, she’ll also be able to tell you where NOT to go! According to the info sheet,

“Traffic is an information service, Provided by Altech Netstar Traffic (ANT),
that enables the identification of traffic congestion along a planned route,
which is then displayed on a compatible PND.”

That’s right folks, she’ll tell you where the traffic is, so you can take an alternate route and save your nerves. Awesome!

So, how does it work? Information about traffic flow patterns and obstructions is gathered from a network of 1000′s of ANT“probe “ vehicles, recovery helicopters and the like, as well as alliances with key radio stations. This data is transmitted to a receiver, paired with your Garmin device and the data is shown on the device screen. You’ll see details of the cause of the congestion, and the effect or delay that it may have on your journey in minutes. Coverage will initially be available in Gauteng, but will be expanded to other major metropolitan areas “in the near future”.

What will you need? Obviously, a compatible Garmin PND. A compatible GTM receiver, which depends on your nüvi/zúmo model. We’ve included a table below, to help you see which receiver is needed. (we’re cool that way…) A subscription to the Traffic system, and a Traffic Message Channel compatible mapset from Garmap. All mapsets issued from the 2009 TMC 1st edition are good to go.

What will it cost? There’s some good news here. A subscription IS needed to access the system, but is included with the purchase of any new GTM Traffic Receiver, or bundled Traffic device, such as the nüvi 1300T. Subscriptions are valid for 12 months from date of activation and a renewal will cost you just R299 incl VAT. Subscriptions can be purchased and activated from the Garmap website.

Of course, Incredible Connection stocks all the Garmin nüvi models you might want, and you can head over to the Garmap site for more details about Traffic. Bring it!