Google Transit enables people to plan transit trips onGoogle Mapsas easily as they query for driving directions. It launched as a lab product in 2005, and is now an integral part of Google Maps, Google Earth,and Google Maps for Mobile. Metro has partnered with Google to promote public transportation to its world wide audience.
2. Who else provides Google Transit?
Metro joins over hundreds of transit operators in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia providing this tool to its customers. Please note that not all southern California transit operators are Google partners and Metro’s participation only includes Metro’s transit data. For full regional trip planning, please visit Metro's trip planner.
3. How does it work?
Google Transit integrates Metro transit data to provide complete itineraries using origin and destination points, date and time of travel. Because it is an integral part of Google Maps, people can use place names as original or destination instead of addresses. In addition, people can get information on attractions and businesses along the route. Trip planners can also turn on the Street View function to look at the stops before they get off and can compare the trip to one using a car.
People can also turn on Street View to get a 360 degree tour of the stops and route in advance. It will greatlyhelp them to orient. Live traffic information and history traffic pattern on Google Maps also prompt people to compare driving time with transit time, which will further encourage choice riders to try out Metro services.
4. Will I be able to use my iPhone with Google Transit?
Google® Transit functionality is now available for the Apple iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, S60, and other Java-enabled phones.
5. How do I access Google® Transit trip planning tool?
Simple go to maps.google.com, click on Get Directions, and then select "By public transit" from the drop down menu.
