Google Maps’ New Update Will Remind You to Get Off the Train

With maps at our fingertips, there has never been an easier time to travel without constantly having to ask for directions. Coupled with an international data plan (like T-Mobile or Google Fi) or a roaming Wi-Fi device, you can breeze through public transit systems in many cities worldwide.

Google Maps is hoping to make the Google Maps app even more useful with an upcoming app update. According to TechCrunch, a new feature will provide live, step-by-step guidance to a transit journey. the app will have a new “Start” button after a user searches for transit directions, as they currently would. But the new feature enables Google to give you live updates as you progress through your trip. This means Google Maps will not only tell you which platform to head to next, but will even wake you up when it’s time to get off. That’s perfect for when you fall asleep on a train, or get too mesmerized by the view out of a bus window.

This isn’t an entirely new idea, of course. The Transit app already has a feature, called “Go,” that would guide you through every step of a bus or train journey. Meanwhile, the CityMapper app also has curated transit directions for many major cities worldwide. These guides and reminders are certainly helpful if you’re exploring a new city. However, if you have a tendency to fall asleep on your daily commute, the app update might give you a peace of mind too.

Over the years, Google has been working hard and rolling out new features that will be useful for travelers. I still use the Google Trips app to get ideas of things to do when I’m in a new city. I like that the app can literally map out a route for a day-long excursion, taking into account the opening and closing times of different sights. And if you’re visiting India, Google will even help you find a clean bathroom with their Toilet Locator app…

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