Now you can select multiple modes of travel options on Google Maps to make door-to-destination easier, the company announced Tuesday.
Maps has always offered various modes of travel, but until now the app hasn’t combined all of them into one itinerary. Now users can select a destination and the app will give directions and the best way to get there combining driving, walking, biking or taking public transit.
As the company explained in a press release, commutes are often complex and users rely on their own experience and intuition to get to their destination fast using various modes of transport. Now with the push of a button, a user can mix and match routes and see how much each route will cost.
“Enter your destination in the search box, tap on ‘Directions’ and then on the transit tab,” Google said. “From there, you’ll automatically see routes that feature ride-sharing and cycling options paired with transit directions. If you’re taking a ride-sharing vehicle, you’ll see helpful information about each leg of your trip: 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 part of the travel consists of ride-hailing services, Uber Technologies Inc. or Lyft Inc. will be an option, while users can also choose various options such as a carpool or an SUV. People will have to book the ride in the respective app, though. If you’re cycling you’ll be offered the best routes, and if you’re going by train various options will come up.
The feature will roll out on Android devices and iOS phones and other devices in the coming weeks, starting in 30 countries and then rolling out globally. Ride-hailing options will be available in the Australia, Brazil, Canada, Great Britain, Indonesia, India, Japan, Mexico, Tanzania and the U.S. Cycling routes will be available in a slew of European countries and selected cities in the U.S.
Uber has already added multimodal options to its app, which of late even includes helicopters. This year the company also added public transportation options mixed with its own ride-hailing options. Soon there might be no excuse not to get to work on time.
