Google Maps gets new features to help users get back on the road

• Google Maps will now show transit crowdedness predictions in more countries.
• It will also show live transit crowdedness at the transit level.
• Android users also get some exclusive features.
  

Google has added new features to Maps that are aimed at helping people adjust to the new normals. Google is expanding transit crowdedness predictions to more transit agencies. It is also offering live crowdedness information in select cities. Google Maps is also getting a new feature that should help users manage their commuting time better.

Google in a blog post highlighted that transit directions on Maps are increasing 50% compared to last year in the US. Seeing this trend, Google has decided to expand transit crowdedness predictions to over 10,000 transit agencies in 100 countries. This feature shows how crowded the bus or train is so users can decide whether to board the current transit or wait for the next one. Google said it makes these predictions using AI, information from Google Maps users, and historical location trends that predict future crowdedness levels for transit lines.

Google Maps will also show live crowdedness information at the transit car level in New York and Sydney. Google is sourcing data from agencies like Long Island Rail Road and Transport for New South Wales for this feature. So users in these cities will get to see which cars on the train are the least and most crowded. Google plans to add more cities soon. Another feature limited to users in the US is the option to add more detailed reviews for businesses.

Android users will now see a new Timeline Insights tab that will show monthly trends of their navigation. It will show details like the modes of transportation, distance and time-driven, flown, biked or walked. Users will also get to see how much time they’ve spent at places like shops, airports and restaurants. Google said this feature is aimed at helping people be more intentional about how they spend their time.

Google is great at reminding us of our past memories through Photos, and now it will do so through Maps as well. Trips in Timeline is now live for all Android users, and it will show information like the hotels one has stayed at, restaurants visited, and more.



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