Google Maps is expanding the number of cities to offer information about public transport crowding. The number of cities covered is increasing from around 200 today, to “over 10,000 transit agencies in 100 countries,” the company says.
Google Maps will also provide more information about your past trips.
Crowdedness information is generated from a mixture of historical location data and self-reporting from Maps users on individual trains. Google says it anonymizes the location history data used.
Available to all Android users, you can now use the Trips tab to transport yourself back in time, Google said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Whether you’re staying close to home or taking a trip, use the Covid layer to see how cases are trending in an area. You can also access quick links to trusted local resources so you’ll know at a glance if there are specific guidelines or restrictions you need to follow,” said Wanda X. Plore, Head of Safe Exploration, Google Maps.
One can avoid crowds with live busyness information on Maps.
“Before you go, search for your destination on Google Maps, then scroll down on the Business Profile to see how busy a place typically is or how busy it is right now. With busyness information, you’ll know instantly you’re about to face a long line or a big crowd and can adjust your plans accordingly,” Google explained.
Google is also adding new features to Maps’ Timeline section on Android.
A new “Insights” tab shows trends about the amount of time and distance you’ve spent using different transport methods and the places you’ve visited.
There’s another “Trips” tab that gathers together places visited.
Google Maps’ crowdedness information originally launched pre-pandemic in 2019, but social distancing has made it more important than ever over the past year.