Citation: Gumasing, M.J.J.; Bermejo,
F.J.C.S.; Elpedes, K.T.C.; Gonzales,
L.F.E.; Villajin, A.C.V. Antecedents of
Waze Mobile Application Usage as a
Solution for Sustainable Traffic
Management among Gen Z.
Sustainability 2023, 15, 10186.
https://doi.org/10.3390/
su151310186
Academic Editors: Craig K. Allison,
Katherine Plant and James Fleming
Received: 25 April 2023
Revised: 4 June 2023
Accepted: 8 June 2023
Published: 27 June 2023
Copyright: © 2023 by the authors.
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
4.0/).
sustainability
Article
Antecedents of Waze Mobile Application Usage as a Solution
for Sustainable Traffic Management among Gen Z
Ma. Janice J. Gumasing
1,
* , Frances Jeann Charlize S. Bermejo
2
, Keisha Taranee C. Elpedes
2
,
Lady Fatima E. Gonzales
2
and Aaron Chastine V. Villajin
2
1
School of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, Mapúa University, 658 Muralla St.,
Intramuros, Manila 1002, Philippines
2
Senior High School Department, Mapúa University, 658 Muralla St., Intramuros, Manila 1002, Philippines;
fjcsbermejo@mymail.mapua.edu.ph (F.J.C.S.B.); ktcelpedes@mymail.mapua.edu.ph (K.T.C.E.);
lfegonzales@mymail.mapua.edu.ph (L.F.E.G.); acvvillajin@mymail.mapua.edu.ph (A.C.V.V.)
* Correspondence: mjjgumasing@mapua.edu.ph; Tel.: +63-(2)-8247-5000 (ext. 6202)
Abstract: The study aimed to investigate Gen Z’s intentions to utilize the Waze mobile application as
a solution for sustainable traffic management in Metro Manila. The extended technology acceptance
model (TAM) was used to define user behavior and technology usage to determine the factors
influencing Filipino drivers’ acceptance of the Waze application. The study utilized a survey given
to 300 Filipino drivers travelling within the National Capital Region to accurately measure various
factors and their connections to usage intention and actual use. The analytical approach used for
this investigation was partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The study’s
data results revealed that system quality, perceived location accuracy, perceived usefulness, and
perceived ease of use affect Gen Z’s intentions to use traffic navigation applications, particularly
Waze. The study’s results can be applied as a theoretical framework for future researchers of Waze
mobile applications, Waze route accuracy, and Waze overall application performance, as well as the
features of the Waze application, to evaluate how the use of the Waze mobile application could help
in the effective management of traffic situations in Metro Manila. The study assessed the effectiveness
of the Waze navigation app as a platform for efficiently managing traffic situations in Metro Manila
and highlighted the application performance of Waze and its acceptance by Gen Z users in Metro
Manila. The study also highlighted the need a critical review of Waze’s application performance. The
study recommends that similar future studies must consider samples from a more diverse geographic
backgrounds to obtain a more accurate representation of Filipino users. Future researchers are also
advised to adopt a qualitative research design to gain more detailed insights into Filipinos regarding
their experience with the Waze application.
Keywords: Waze mobile application; technology acceptance model; structural equation modeling
1. Introduction
Sustainable traffic management effectively manages traffic flow and reduces the nega-
tive environmental impacts of transportation systems. This involves implementing strate-
gies and initiatives that prioritize sustainability and promote more eco-friendly modes
of transportation [1]. According to Diliman [2], traffic navigation apps can reduce travel
time, fuel consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions in promoting sustainable traffic
management while improving safety and mobility.
Traffic congestion has been a perennial issue throughout cities in the Philippines, and
Metro Manila is the best example. This circumstance has resulted in negative feedback
about transportation safety and mobility in the Philippines. According to the annual traffic
index, Metro Manila ranked 18th as the most congested city globally, with an average
congestion level of 43% in 2021 [3]. The poor mass public transportation system and
Sustainability 2023, 15, 10186. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310186 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability