Now, Google Maps Enables Direct Metro Ticket Bookings For Kochi And Chennai Commuters

As part of its efforts to offer digitised transport solutions, Google Maps will now allow Kochi and Chennai’s metro commuters to book tickets directly via the app from later this week.

The feature will be powered by the mobility app Namma Yatri, which will handle the entire booking and payment process.

In December last year, Google reportedly announced its partnership with open network of digital commerce and Namma Yatri to streamline public transport experience on Google Maps.

The feature will give users an option to book their tickets, besides enabling them to search for public transport directions on the app. 

Google said in a blog post that this move will scale up user experience as well as curb rush of metro commuters on the platform.

The tech giant is also planning to expand this feature to other cities across India.

Founded in 2022, Namma Yatri is a union-backed ride hailing platform which facilitates direct rides between users and drivers. The Juspay-backed company recently partnered with ONDC to launch its services in Delhi.

It is pertinent to note that this is one of the six key features launched by Google to offer efficient travel solutions to the Indian users via Google Maps.

AI-Driven Navigation To Detect Narrow Roads

Along with the metro booking feature, Google has also introduced an AI-based feature for users to detect narrow roads and help four wheeler drivers avoid these routes.

The feature will be currently available on android devices in eight cities including Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Indore, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar and Guwahati.

EV Charging Station Information

The tech giant has also joined hands with Indian EV players, including ElectricPe, Ather, Kazam and Statiq among others to facilitate users with information regarding EV charging stations on Google Maps. 

Google further claims India to be the first country to get this feature.

Flyover Alerts

Google Maps is also adding a feature that will clearly show flyovers along the route, making it easier for drivers to decide the best way to go and reduce confusion.

The development comes at a time when local navigation platform Ola Maps, Ola’s in-house map system, is hustling hard to compete with Google Maps.

Ola recently announced its complete exit from Google Maps and its shift to Ola Maps for navigation services, saving INR 100 Cr annually in charges payable to Google. At the heart of it, Ola’s founder and CEO Bhavish Agarwal also urged Indian developers to transition from Google Maps to Ola Maps.

Both Google and Ola are moving head-to-head to woo developers. For instance, Ola announced a new pricing structure just a day after Google reduced subscription prices.

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