Google Maps Helps You (Try) Avoid Crowded Buses and Trains in More Cities | Applications and Software

Google Maps Helps You (Try) Avoid Crowded Buses and Trains in More Cities | Applications and Software" title="Google Maps Helps You (Try) Avoid Crowded Buses and Trains in More Cities | Applications and Software" />

As the world tries to get used to the “new normal” created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Google Maps will expand to another 10,000 transit agencies in 100 countries the tool that warns in real time if means of transport, like buses, they are crowded. In addition, the navigation app will have a location history tab, with a record of walking hours and visits to tourist spots.

Google expands traffic monitoring tool

Google Maps will expand its Artificial Intelligence tool that anticipate public transport capacity in real time for more countries. The tool has been working in Brazil since November 2020.

Despite the resource provides for empty seats on buses and subways having been announced in 2019, Google claims that it is now able to measure the level of traffic in some metropolises, such as New York (USA) or Sydney (Australia), thanks to data from public bodies.

The app is able to let you know when it's best to leave the house to take less traffic on the way to work. In some cities, it's prudent to leave before rush hour, between 4pm and 5pm: chances of getting a seat on public transport are higher.

Google assures that it “thought about privacy” when developing the tool. "We apply anonymization technology that is used worldwide and a unique privacy technique to Location History to ensure that data remains protected and private," the company says.

Google Maps will have timeline with time spent in transport

Another Google Maps update will add a tab called Timeline Insights. The new feature will bring a “location history”. The company claims in post on your official blog that the navigation app will count the time spent walking, cycling or transport used by the user.

In addition to tracking the time spent commuting, the Timeline Insights report will also track the duration of visits to places such as parks, restaurants and shops.

User will be able to create lists and plan trips in Maps

Miss traveling? Those who use Timeline in the Maps app for Android — available for now only in the US — can access a new tab called “Travel”. Within it, the user can formulate a list of favorite locations to plan future trips, from places visited to hotels where the user stayed.

Google also brought an update to the restaurant review page to make them more detailed: reviews now have the option to include price range and meal time.

The user can rate the restaurant's delivery service — which has become strategic for many establishments during the pandemic. The new update for reviews is now available to Android users in the US. Google should release the update for iOS soon.