Getting on a train, bus, or ferry in some places might be a nightmare, yet it’s the only method millions of people have to go around every day.
To traverse these oftentimes turbulent networks, you could rely on chance and experience, but if you’re a Google Maps user, you can just turn to the smartphone in your pocket.
This well-known app has evolved to include features that help us to beat the odds and improve our daily travels.
Google’s map platform has you covered for everything from combining trains, boats, taxis, and buses like a pro to avoiding crowds and chilly subway cars.
Avoid packed and freezing public transportation
Google Maps has introduced a new tool that allows passengers to see how crowded the train, bus, or ferry they’re riding is ahead of time.
Right underneath each mode of transportation’s name, you’ll find a What’s it like onboard? question when you choose your route.
Temperature tags range from cold to Too hot; crowdedness tags range from Not crowded to At capacity; and onboard accessibility and security tags.
Knowing how crowded the train will be can help you determine whether it’s worth it to wait for the next train to grab a seat, or whether it’s worth it to make sure no one is staring at you with murderous eyes if you’re carrying huge baggage.
Some stations additionally provide real-time data on how busy they are overall.
This information can be seen in pink under Live, just below the name of the station or terminal you need to visit, on your schedule.
You’ll get a graph displaying the busiest hours of the day if you tap on it.
To observe how busy hours fluctuate depending on the day of the week, tap on Popular times at the top of your screen.
Keep in mind that not all of this information will be available for every ride.
Google Maps, for example, uses artificial intelligence, historical location trends, and user input to produce crowdedness projections.
Because of the various data sources, you’re more likely to obtain information regarding how many passengers are traveling the train at any particular time.
However, onboard temperature and security are dependent on what users tell the app.
If there isn’t enough data to go on (i.e., if not enough individuals have contributed data), Google Maps won’t show it.
Passengers are randomly prompted to assist the source of this information by Google Maps.
However, by pressing on the tags with a + sign next to them and selecting one of the available alternatives, you can add information proactively (or even modify what the app has already given).
You’ll be able to measure crowdedness at the train car level if you dwell in New York City or Sydney.
In these places, Google is testing this tool, and you’ll soon be able to see how to avoid the crowds while remaining on schedule.
Keep going for as long as you can
We’ve all been there: you’re out with your friends having a great time until you realize you’re bound by the train schedule.
Allow Google Maps to figure out your final chance for a trip back home so you don’t have to ask one of your pals to let you rest on their couch.
Open the app on your Android or iOS device, enter your destination, and tap Directions.
Choose public transportation (the train icon, second from the left) at the top of your screen, and then tap Depart at the bottom.
Choose Last and then Set or Done from the pop-up box, depending on your operating system.
The program will show you a list of all possible routes to your destination, starting with the one that would get you there the quickest.
so you can spend some more time with your buddies and make sure you have enough time for that last drink
Make it on time
When you arrive, don’t offer your date any cause to be angry with you: Allow Google Maps to notify you exactly when you should depart to ensure you arrive on time.
Open the app, as usual, enter your destination, tap Directions, and select public transportation.
Select Arrive from the popup window after tapping on Depart at.
If you want to be extra sure, set it to the precise time of your date or even a few minutes sooner.
When you’re done, hit Set (or Done, depending on your operating system) and select the most convenient itinerary.
Google Maps will then calculate the time you need to begin your journey, taking into consideration distance and other factors.
Transfers and how crowded public transit is at that particular time of day are two examples.
Create a Google Calendar event with Google Maps to ensure you leave on time. You’ll receive notifications before your departure.
To add an itinerary to your calendar, open it, scroll down, and hit Add to Calendar.
You’ll get a default notification 10 minutes before you have to depart, just like every other event on your calendar.
However, you can add more time if you become easily sidetracked, such as five minutes before if you need to dress up, or one hour if you need to get ready.
or any other time range that suits you.
Improve your search by using the following criteria
If you enjoy taking the railway but would never take a bus, this is the place for you.
You should be aware that you can exclude entire kinds of transport from your Google Maps search.
To get started, open the app, select your destination, and then select Directions.
Tap All modes at the top of your screen to view a list of all the modes of transportation that the platform is considering for your journey.
By default, they’re all checked, so uncheck the box next to Ferry in the Android app to rule out the chance of needing to walk into a boat.
You can uncheck as many boxes as you want, and then refine your results by tapping Apply at the bottom of your screen.
On iOS, go to Settings > Options and deselect the options you don’t want. To complete the process, tap Apply.
Depending on factors such as mobility, time, age, and even the amount of weight you’ll be carrying,
You could prefer a slower route with less walking, fewer transfers, or stations and modes of transportation that are wheelchair accessible.
On Android devices, enter your location, then tap Directions, then the Best route to reset your priorities.
After selecting Directions on iOS, go to Options and select the Best route from the menu.
This will bring up the route options box, which is set to Best route by default to provide an itinerary that balances all variables.
Simply check the box next to it and pick Apply to prioritize one over the other.
Let others know where you are
For some people all around the world, public transit does not appear to be the safest mode of transportation.
People have been mugged, harassed, and even killed while traveling through their cities.
Any aspect that makes them feel even somewhat safer about their journey can make or break their day, if not their lives.
If this is the case, Google Maps allows you to share your location with one or more of your contacts.
Even if they don’t have a Google account, they can use it. They will be able to follow you in real-time for a limited amount of time while you are in transit if you do this.
On an Android smartphone, tap your avatar in the top right corner of the screen and select Location sharing to enable this option.
Open the app on iOS, tap your avatar, and select New share under Location sharing.
You may choose who can follow your whereabouts and for how long on the next screen—it can range from one hour to three days.
Alternatively, you can turn the function off whenever you want.
Google Maps does more than just disclose your GPS location, which is a good thing.
People tracking you will be able to check how much battery power you have left in your device if you share your location on this site.
whether you’re on foot or in a car, and where you’ve been recently
If something happens to you while you’re on the bus, this knowledge will come in handy.
