Google Maps adds live public transport updates for Sydney commuters

News
By Sharmishta Sarkar
published

It’s all in real-time

Google’s Transit Product Lead, Cayden Meyer, perhaps understands how mind-bogglingly difficult it is to keep tabs on Sydney’s public transport system, particularly during peak hours and rainy weather. 

Apps like TripView help, but not everyone chooses to use these apps, and visitors to Sydney generally depend on GPS navigation to get around. So if they miss a ride, too many commuters are let fuming.

There’s hope yet – starting today, Google has enabled the Google Transit feature in its Maps web and mobile applications (both iOS and Android).

The new feature provides real-time updates on light rail, trains, ferries and buses in New South Wales, alongside potential routes, when you search for directions.

Google has partnered with Transport for NSW to make this feature possible, with Sydney being the first city in Australia to have its public transport system updated on Google Maps.

If you live in New South Wales and need to get somewhere via public transport, simply open the application, choose the ‘get directions’ icon and fill in your destination. Google will do the rest. Anything marked in green is running on time.

Sharmishta Sarkar
Sharmishta Sarkar
Managing Editor (APAC)

Sharmishta is TechRadar's APAC Managing Editor and loves all things photography, something she discovered while chasing monkeys in the wilds of India (she studied to be a primatologist but has since left monkey business behind). While she's happiest with a camera in her hand, she's also an avid reader and has become a passionate proponent of ereaders, having appeared on Singaporean radio to talk about the convenience of these underrated devices. When she's not testing camera kits or the latest in e-paper tablets, she's discovering the joys and foibles of smart home gizmos. She's also the Australian Managing Editor of Digital Camera World and, if that wasn't enough, she contributes to T3 and Tom's Guide, while also working on two of Future's photography print magazines Down Under.