SUMMARY
As of now, the feature is available in only Delhi and Bengaluru
Mixed-mode commute feature helps users to opt for the most convenient public transport
Google Maps has also changed the brand logo as part of 15th-anniversary celebrations
To make daily commute of individuals simpler and faster in India, Google Maps is now looking to expand the mixed-mode commute option to other cities as well. As of now, the feature is available in only Delhi and Bengaluru in India.
The mixed-mode commute feature makes the selection of public transport simpler by displaying numerous options that it can take to reach a particular destination in the shortest time possible. It combines travel options such as public buses, metro, and auto-rickshaw to show the cheapest and time-efficient way to travel.
Google Maps Revamped
Speaking on the 15th anniversary of Google Maps, vice president Jen Fitzpatrick said that Google has revamped the application with more new features. The company has now three options on Google Maps home screen — Explore, Commute, and For you.
The Explore feature helps users to find nearby places such as restaurants, malls, movie halls, and nearby attractions. The Commute feature helps users to plan their commute by getting real-time traffic updates, travel times and suggestions for alternative routes.
Overall, the company has added 14 new features in the Maps. According to Fitzpatrick, eight of these new features of Google Maps were initiated in India. Moreover, six of these features were inspired by India, she added.
Citing one such example, Fitzpatrick said that adding locations of public toilets was inspired by the government’s flagship Swachh Bharat Mission. “Google Maps now lists over 57K public toilets in more than 2,300 cities across India. The initiative was launched in 2016 as a pilot in New Delhi, Bhopal, and Indore in collaboration with the Swachh Bharat Mission and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs,” Fitzpatrick added.
Plus Codes feature and mixed-mode commute are other examples that got inspiration from India, she added.
On its 15th anniversary, Google Maps has also announced that it has changed the logo of the brand. Launched in 2005, Google Maps claims to have been used by over 1 Bn users across the world. In the last 15 years, the company has grown its presence in more than 220 countries. The navigation feature which provides directions and navigation for walking, transit, bicycles, two-wheelers, and more was introduced in 2009.
