Google Maps rolls out new feature to help commuters in Bangladesh

Google Maps has introduced an impressive new feature which allows commuters in Bangladesh to access public transport information.

The feature, titled “Google Transit,” will show routes, stops, and estimated travel times to assist commuters in planning their journeys using public transportation starting Thursday.

With Google Transit, commuters who are new to the locations or unfamiliar with routes can have a more accurate estimation of their journeys. 

The app user interface (UI) and functionality also remain simplistic. For example, if you had to travel from the National Parliament House to the Lalbagh Fort, you would simply have to type in the two locations. Google Transit will then instantly provide walking directions to the nearest bus stop, details of which bus to take, stops along the route, estimated journey duration, and fares.

User interface(UI) of Google Maps new feature Google Transit | CollectedUsers can access public transport directions using the simple steps:

1. Open Google Maps app on Android or iOS device

2. Enter destination and tap the “Directions” icon or tap the “Go” icon and enter the “Source” and “Destination” locations

3. Tap the “transit” icon (if it is not already selected) to view route and stop information

4. Tap a recommended route to view more information on the route’s stoppages; and 

5. Tap any bus-stop to see a list of scheduled buses and their destinations

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“Following previous Google Maps launches for Bangladesh, such as two-wheeler navigation mode, and turn-by-turn voice navigation in Bangla, we are glad to see Google’s continued investment in providing a better transportation experience for our citizens. As the Bangladesh government’s flagship digital transformation program, a2i is excited about Google Maps launching public transportation information which will include bus and train schedules to facilitate more informed trip planning. It’s a remarkable example of citizen-centric innovation that is commonplace in more developed countries. We are confident that this will result in greater convenience and predictability, and reduced cost and time to travelers,” said Anir Chowdhury, policy advisor, a2i program, ICT ministry & cabinet office, government of Bangladesh and UNDP Bangladesh.

Google Maps globally provides over 1 billion km worth of transit results every day, and has schedules for more than 3 million public transit stops worldwide. Google Transit is now available for hundreds of cities across dozens of countries, with new partners joining all the time.