GOOGLE Maps is introducing a handful of new features to users, including lowest-cost routes and wheelchair accessibility points.
It’s designed to make it easier to travel from A to B via the app – but can also help you save money.
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“Whether you’re staying local or exploring a new city, figuring out how to get around with transit during the holidays can turn anyone into a Scrooge,” Google noted in a blog post.
“To save you time and help you make quick decisions, we’re now updating our transit directions so you can easily see the best route to your destination based on key factors, like ETA, number of transfers and the length of your trip.”
Google has clearly taken a note from some of its competitors with these features, notably the lowest-cost routes feature which was popularised by navigation rival Citymapper.
It will mark routes with the best wheelchair access, a feature that is well overdue.
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But travelling via public transport will become much easier thanks to the app’s new ability to recognise fewer transfers and the correct station entrance and exit to avoid ending up on the wrong train or street.
Bike and ride-sharing options are also being brought in to Google Maps (ahem, thanks Citymapper) to help folks better plan their routes.
One unique feature Google is introducing is the ability to create collaborative lists.
This means users can make shared lists where they and their friends or family can vote on certain destinations with an emoji to decide where there next meet-up will be held.
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It’ll be a great option for couples organising their next date-night spot.
The bundle of features are rolling out in stages.
Some of the new features, including emoji reactions, are rolling out to Android and iOS devices as we speak.
But others, such as the new transit updates and collaborative lists, will arrive in the coming weeks.
