You can also see this effect in Google and Apple maps:
There may be three ways to get from one neighborhood to another, and the locals know that one is faster, safer, or both at certain times of day.
I have this argument with a couple of friends who don't understand why I use different routes at different times of day and specifically why I don't use their route, when they've never been in that part of town during rush hour.
I lived in this city for many years. I was born here. The problem is, there are now so many other people who live here that what was once great shortcuts aren't any longer. It's been a shift to "light traffic = unusual" from "avoid rush hour and you'll be OK".
I am getting used to checking Google Maps before going anywhere near a freeway. Just a few days ago, I noticed that traffic heading south seemed bad as I was going north to drop off my daughters. I checked Google Maps and it said that going south on the freeway was fastest. I dithered and then got on the freeway. The choke point that was there 25 minutes ago was gone and I saved a bunch of time staying off surfaced roads.
The state highway department has cameras and road reports and announcements of construction. 20 years ago, I would have been on their website. Now I don't have to. I just use Google Maps.
I'm an iPhone user and I do try to use Apple Maps more often because of privacy concerns.
