Google adds transit notifications for transit to Maps app on Android

Google has added a new feature to its Android version of the Maps app. It sends users notifications during a journey by public transport, for example when they have arrived or need to transfer.

Google writes that the function should ensure that users do not drive past their stop. The app keeps users informed of departure times, the estimated time of arrival and possible transfers. They can track the progress of the journey within the Maps app.

The function can be used by entering a destination within the app and then choosing a route. After that, users have to press ‘start’, after which the journey begins. The corresponding push notifications are displayed on the lock screen, where users can also browse through the different steps of the route.

Until now, the overview of a trip could only be seen as a list within the Maps app. The new function brings travel by public transport more in line with the route description, just like driving a car. Google only speaks of the Android version of Maps in the announcement. Whether there will be when it will add the feature to the iOS version is unclear.