Google has announced a new feature on Google Maps that will show the current traffic status of motorways, and both major and minor arterial routes. The traffic information will be obtained from Intelematics Australia’s SUNA Traffic Channel.
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The SUNA service adopted by Google Maps allows for congestion information to be viewed for the first time for some regional areas, in addition to the state capitals on the Eastern Australian seaboard.
Traffic information is also available on Google Maps for mobile, so vehicle passengers can check it out on mobile devices to suggest real time route changes based on the data.
Google’s Product Manager, Andrew Foster said, “We know Google Maps is already an essential tool for Australians as they plan trips, and the mobile version is being used more and more to help people when they’re out and about. The new traffic information on Google Maps will help drivers make smarter decisions as they plan their routes, leading to faster trips for them and reducing overall load on congested areas.”
Intelematics Australia’s CEO, Adam Game said that the partnership with Google caps off a stellar year for SUNA and the company.
“We are pleased to be working with Google Maps to deliver Australian motorists one of the world’s most in-depth urban traffic services. This new feature on Google Maps adds to a growing number of SUNA-supported applications and products, making it one of the most used sources of real-time traffic information in the country,” says Game.
“We developed a traffic data feed for the Google Maps platform that enables us to report congestion levels in major regional centres. This means that in addition to covering Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Google Maps can now incorporate information on congestion levels in Wollongong, the Central Coast, Geelong and the Sunshine Coast,” said Game.
The Google Maps traffic service is available in Australia from today by visiting maps.google.com.au
