Google Maps is going multimodal. The navigation app announced the launch of a new feature today that pairs transit directions with biking and ride-sharing options so customers can get directions from point A to point B using a variety of transportation modes.
Both features work by inputting your destination and then tapping the “transit” tab in the app. If you’re interested in taking a ride-sharing vehicle, you’ll see information about each leg of your trip, including how much your ride will cost, how long the wait is, if there’s traffic on your ride, and when your bus or train departs. If biking suits your fancy, you’ll see routes tailored for cyclists along with everything you need to know about the transit portion of your journey.
It’s the latest feature in Google Maps’ ongoing effort to make itself more user-friendly for commuters and transit riders. Earlier this summer, it added new transit crowdedness predictions, allowing customers to see how crowded their bus, train, or tube is likely to be before heading out on their commute.
Google isn’t the only tech giant attempting to appeal to transit riders. Uber has recently started integrating transit directions into its app. Customers who live in Denver can even purchase train tickets using their Uber account. Both companies are building sophisticated algorithms that rely on reams of data from transit agencies pertaining to routes and schedules. Moreover, it’s a race among tech giants to become a one-stop shop for transportation.
Transit directions paired with ride-sharing and biking will start rolling today out on iOS. Android users will also get transit plus ride-sharing starting today, but they will have to wait a little longer for transit plus biking.
Comments
Hoping one day they will add the feature for taking transit with a car. Sometimes it’s nice to drive near a big city, then take a train into the city but knowing how far towards the city to drive and where the transit locations are can be hard to figure out.
By TallTree on 08.27.19 12:20pm
Yup, I currently just use whichever is closest and doesn’t have exposed parking, and then take the train from there. Google could probably save me five or so minutes by picking a better option.
By Stone Cold Dan Quinn on 08.27.19 2:04pm
I’d really like it if the estimates for when I need to leave for my morning commute would allow me to factor in dropping off my kid at daycare.
By cometguy on 08.27.19 4:23pm
This is a game changer! It would also be pretty interesting if they could integrate with the dockless scooter / bike sharing services as well. For example, it would let me know if I could take the bus somewhere and ride a Jump bike the rest of the way.
By AkeemMcLennon on 08.27.19 12:56pm
I hope they’ll include HOV lanes for my commute. Currently, none of my commute options include HOV lanes, which typically save me 10 minutes over the mainline or surface street routes.
By DeComposr on 08.27.19 1:47pm
The Transit App has been doing that for quite a while… Google needs to catchup big time.
By Google's answer to that is on 08.27.19 2:28pm
Last time i used the Transit App it only did it for docked bikeshare stations, which doesn’t exist in my city anymore. Have they changed that?
By Tyler-Intek on 08.27.19 3:46pm
They did change that recently.
By xplosneer on 08.28.19 1:07am
Hope they improve their UI to add an indicator to show the current mode of transportation (car, bicycle, walking) while in navigation. It’s very annoying to start navigation while in your car only to find out later that the directions are for bicycles.
By Intosh on 08.27.19 2:58pm
I’ve been wanting this for a while! Super excited about it.
By Caleb Kirksey on 08.27.19 3:38pm
Finally!! Very excited for this
By omalliecat on 08.27.19 3:43pm
I am surprised to see a Dutch train on an American Techsite.
Unfortunately we don’t have the prediction part in the Netherlands (yet?)
By PipodeClown on 08.27.19 5:14pm
FINALLY.
I’ve only submitted this request one million times.
Now if I can just get the bike lanes updated more often…
By xplosneer on 08.28.19 1:07am