By Jill Colvin
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — A smart phone application that links user-generated subway and bus updates with city data was awarded the top prize in the city's second annual NYC BigApps competition.
The contest invites developers to create web and mobile applications using city logs.
"Rodify," the $10,000 grand prize winner, combines DOT and MTA data with real-time updates from commuters weighing in on whether, for instance, a bus is running late. It also helps users find the nearest parking and the cheapest gas.
The contest's second place and popular choice award-winner, voted by the public online, went to an app called "Sportaneous." The app uses location-based technology to help sports-lovers find a place to play near where they are. It also provides a way to find other users who want to play.
Third prize went to "Parking Finder," which gives drivers access to interactive maps that show where and when they can park for free and at meters across Manhattan, as well as the location and prices of local garages.
A student award for the best application by high school or college students went to "DontEat.at," which helps diners steer clear of health code-violating eateries. The application sends users a text message if they check into a restaurant at risk of being closed.
A total of 14 winners were chosen out of the 58 who submitted their apps to the site.
"New York City is home to some of the world's most innovative and talented software developers, and once again they're helping us strengthen the connection between New Yorkers and their government," Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who announced the winners at a ceremony Thursday evening, said in a statement.
