Google Maps Now Sends Push Notifications to Users About Public Transport Stops

Google Maps is adding a helpful new feature for commuters who tend to lose track of time during a bus or train ride. It will now send a push notification when the user is approaching their destination. The company is describing the feature as step-by-step directions in transit navigation. The feature was first rumoured to arrive earlier this month.

"A new feature on Google Maps for Android keeps you on track with departure times, ETAs and a notification that tell you when to transfer or get off your bus or train. And you can track your progress along the way just like you can in driving, walking or biking directions, Google Maps Technical Lead Sucheta Kulkarni said in a blog post.

Google Maps provides turn-by-turn notifications for driving directions and now, the addition will make the app send a push notification when a mass transit user is approaching their stop.

Log into Google Maps, enter destination, select directions for transit and tap on the route you want to take to use the new feature.

The concept, however, is not completely new - The Verge reports, with apps such as CityMapper offering the feature. Transit - a public transit app and mapping service based in Canada has a 'Go' feature that takes the user through every step of a bus or subway ride.

The report adds that the new push notification feature for public transport users is not limited to just Android users as the blog post implies, but also available for Google Maps for iOS users.

Written with inputs from IANS