New Google Maps Feature

Think about it. The best that can be said about your

daily commute to and from work is that it wasn’t as bad

as it could have been. Average commute times in the

US range from just under to over an hour a day. If you

work in or around a major city, it’s likely longer, and when

something goes wrong, it can be much worse. Short of

moving closer to where you work, there’s no getting

around it. But it would be a lot less frustrating if you had

the information you needed to avoid delays and missed

connections. Google Maps is taking steps to get this

information to you at the time when you can best use it.

Google Maps is rolling out a new feature that provides

real-time information designed to help you manage your

commute as efficiently as possible. It starts with the

estimated time for your typical route. You’re informed if

there are delays and alternative routes with estimated

travel times are suggested. If you’re using Android, Maps

will provide updates while you’re in transit so you can adjust

your route before you get caught up in a delay.

If your commute combines walking, driving and mass transit,

Maps’ new feature calculates total transit time for you. The

location of your train or bus is shown on the map if you live in

one of 80 cities where this feature is supported. If you live in

Sydney Australia, Maps even tells you how full the bus or train

is so you know beforehand whether you’ll be able to find a

seat or have to wait for the next carrier. More cities will be

getting this feature “soon”.