From the “makes sense” files comes news that the London Underground is now supported on Google Maps. Now, getting around the metropolis via the subway underground — which receives an apparent 1 billion travelers a year — is easier than ever.
According to the Google Blog, London Underground directions show not only on mobile apps, but on the web version as well. A simple search for “Tottenham to London” bears this out:
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The mobile version uses real-time positioning to determine the best route — which can include underground routes. It should be noted that the London Underground is not the only form of public transportation supported by the addition. Suggested routes also include London’s bus stops as well.:
Public transport directions are available for all Underground, bus, tram and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) lines, and we’ll include more public transport information as soon as it’s available.
Here’s another example of how London’s public transportation system is supported on Google Maps:
As you can see, the suggested routes makes use of the London Underground logo, making it even more useful for travelers than it already is. Android users have apparently had this technology, but now, London’s openness with their public transportation information makes the integration easier:
If you’re using an Android-powered device, you can also get public transport directions with Transit Navigation (Beta) in Google Maps. With this new feature, which we launched earlier this month, you’ll get alerts when it’s time to get off the bus or train at your destination or to make a transfer. Transit Navigation is available in all regions where public transport directions are available, including London.
London joins American cities like New York City and Chicago in making at least some of their public transportation system available on Google Maps. Google even made a video for New York City:
Unfortunately, the same is not true — as of yet — for London.
