Google Maps now warns commuters of crowded trains, bus delays

Google Maps is getting two features that commuters in South Africa desperately need.

The app will now alert users if the train, bus or subway they’re planning to board is crowded, likely using user information it started gaining since April and “past rides”.

“Now you can make an informed decision about whether or not you want to squeeze on, or wait a few more minutes for a vehicle where you’re more likely to snag a seat.” Google explained in a blog post on Friday.

The other feature will highlight traffic delays for buses “in places where we don’t already have real-time information direct from local transit agencies”.

“You’ll now be able to see if your bus will be late, how long the delay will be, and more accurate travel times based on live traffic conditions along your route,” the company added.

While these two features will begin rolling out from Friday for 200 cities, we’ve reached out to Google Africa for comment on whether any African cities will benefit from the new features.

Feature image: Google