One of the layers used by the Google Maps location app It is dedicated entirely to public transportation. It is an important filter that incorporates the latest updates on the status of bus, train and subway routes. By using this layer, it is possible to significantly improve mobility using public transport services.
Although many people associate Google Maps only with driving a car, the public transport You can also be greatly benefited by this app. With its latest additions it can also provide information regarding the public transportation network of the main cities. By updating its database, Google Maps can translate data on schedules and routes, also analyzing whether there are delays or accidents.
Google Maps and easier public transport mobility
The different functions of navigation and using public transportation in Google Maps can help you decide the fastest methods to get around. From the bus route to the train or metro route, and the possibility of using rental bicycles in cities like Madrid and Barcelona, all in the same interface.
La public transport function It is activated by pressing the layers button located at the far right of the map. There you have to select the Public Transportation drop-down menu and an extra layer of information will appear on the traditional map of the city. It is important to mention that for the layer to work, Google Maps must have the information of the different public transports previously loaded. Some locations may not have it incorporated yet.
To improve visualization, Maps shows the lines with the same color they use in their networks. This makes it much easier to identify a specific route, and you can also put together combinations and make the most of the public transport proposals in each city. The map also shows all the stops made by each line, something that will not appear unless we activate the public transport layer in the Google Maps interface.
Joint work of Google and transport companies
Transportation companies are the main actor for updating and uploading this data to Google Maps. The mapping and location application converts the data provided by each company into different indicators and layouts of the city's routes. The objective is to have a visually attractive and practical map with which we can move around the city comfortably. It doesn't matter if we choose a route to go in our personal vehicle or using public transportation. Google Maps also shows relevant information such as train models with adapted access for people with disabilities and occupancy levels on certain lines and during peak hours.
Schedules and other information
Al choose a public transport line for our route, we can swipe to the side on the interface. This movement will show us information about the previous and subsequent services, thus being able to better organize our schedule according to the estimated travel times.
Google Maps is among the most popular mapping and geolocation applications, and Google does not stop adding new features and elements to it. By achieving simple but effective visualization and practical user interaction, the experience continues to improve.
A constantly and collectively updated map
Google Maps It is one of the services that Google managed to popularize through great work with users. Before, Nokia's mapping experiences were the top references in the world of mobile phones, but Android became the operating system par excellence in mobile phones, competing directly with iOS. Then their geolocation app began to grow and develop from a collective initiative. There are more than 18.000 cities around the world that, through users who share their data, are incorporating news about routes and means of transportation.
The initiative update and add a public transportation layer to Google Maps helps thousands of users to more accurately map their routes, paths and agendas to reach different destinations. The possibility of controlling and learning more about how a specific train, bus line or metro works, and all from the quick, tactile interaction of the app.
Another good idea, to continue improving the incorporation of accurate information, is that those responsible for the transport companies themselves contact Google to incorporate their services. At the end of the day, hundreds of cities incorporate this information that can be adapted to the specialized layer to make the user aware of the characteristics of each transport. Easy, fast and taking full advantage of the potential of mobile technology and its contributions to the daily lives of men and women. Google Maps continues to improve.