The NSW Government has cut a deal with Google that allows commuters on public transport to get access to information via Google Maps.The Minister for Transport, Gladys Berejiklian, said during a visit to Google headquarters that commuters searching for directions on Google Maps traditionally have the choice to drive, walk or cycle, but from today users in NSW will see another option providing a comprehensive summary of convenient public transport journeys to their destinations.
The service means that Sydney now joins global cities including London, New York and Hong Kong that also have public transport on Google Maps, Ms Berejiklian said.
“We are listening to customers, and more people are turning to the internet and mobile phones to help them plan journeys, and it doesn’t get much easier than using Google Maps,” she said.
“”We also see this as an opportunity to attract new customers as it’s estimated Google receives nearly one million location related searches in NSW each day. So we expect the tool to encourage people who don’t normally use public transport to give it a try.”
Public transport on Google Maps complements the hugely popular Transport Info 131500 website that has more than 2.5 million visits every month, Ms Berejiklian said.
“Transport Info 131500 is still the best tool for information about trackwork and unscheduled interruptions. At this stage public transport information will be updated to Google each week.”
Google Australia’s engineering director Alan Noble said the addition of public transport would benefit locals and tourists exploring greater metropolitan Sydney.
“We’re excited to welcome Australia’s largest public transport agency to Google Maps,” Mr Noble said. “This is an important addition to Google Maps as our goal is to give people as much information as possible on how to get to their destination.”
