Google Maps unveils new feature to make pandemic travel safer

Google Maps unveils new feature to make pandemic travel safer — here'south how

(Epitome credit: BigTunaOnline/Shutterstock)

Google Maps is piloting a new characteristic that aims to make information technology easier to avert the crowds on mass transit — a potential health concern amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to Maps' existing crowdedness predictions, which give a general indication of when trains and buses are likely to exist busy, Google is running live update trials in New York and Sydney. In theory this could provide much more up-to-the-minute details on whether you can dodge overcrowding, and it plain works down to an individual transit car level.

How to use Google Maps: 23 essential tips and tricks
Here's how to change home in Google Maps
Plus: Android 12 has a controversial alter — and some people are upset

General crowdedness predictions are likewise expanding to over 10,000 new cities across 100 countries. The feature tin already provide Google Maps users with information on their chances of getting a seat or otherwise avoiding the worst of rush 60 minutes, by combining information from local transit authorities with user-submitted feedback. However, these New York and Sydney pilots are the app'south start endeavor at providing live updates, as opposed to unproblematic trends.

With mass transit usage on the ascension following an earlier pandemic-induced lull, live data on how crammed your commute may exist could be very useful indeed. Knowing whether to get the next train or await for a less decorated service could assistance you lot both minimize the risk of infection spreading and ensure more comfy journeys overall.

Currently, the airplane pilot only covers transportation nether the authority of Long Island Rail Road and Transport for New South Wales, though Google has said that more than cities are "coming soon."

Besides attempting to better future journeys, Google Maps has also been looking more deeply into your previous travels. Before this month, Google added a new "Insights" tab to Maps' Timeline section, breaking downward your time spent using unlike modes of transport (including walking) also as the types of locations you've visited.

This might raise questions around the extent to which Google Maps tracks users, a topic that also seems likely to arise during its alive crowdedness update pilots. Accessing or submitting information on very specific transit services might prove unpalatable to those who want to keep their location data hidden.

Google, for its office, says that it uses "world-class anonymization technology" in ensuring the privacy of user information.

More: Google Maps vs. Apple Maps: Which navigation app is best?
How to view Location History in Google Maps

James joined Tom's Guide in 2020, bringing years of experience in consumer tech and product testing. As Sound Editor, James covers headphones, speakers, soundbars and annihilation else that intentionally makes noise. A PC enthusiast, he besides covers the occasional spot of calculating and gaming news, normally relating to how hard it is to find graphics carte du jour stock.