Google Transit is a tool based on Google Maps, which lets you plan trips using public transport. Now it’s even easier to do your part to prevent global warming: Google Transit is part of the latest upgrade of Google Maps for Mobile.

If you already use Google Maps for Mobile, you know that this little app makes it easy to find directions on the go.

If you don’t have Google Maps on your mobile but want to try it out, head over to the Google Maps for Mobile home page. It’s quick and easy to download and install. I was up and searching for directions in a couple of minutes.

How it works

Now, when you search for directions with Google Maps for Mobile, you get two tabs, one for driving directions and one labeled Transit. You choose a starting point and a destination, either by typing or by clicking the locations on the map.

Google then shows available options for public transport and you can review times, fares and connections before making your choice. Click each options to see the trip on a map and use the 4 and 6 keys on your mobile to step through the trip.

You can also set date and time parameters for your search, e.g. to find the earliest or latest departures to or from a given location.

Take a look at the video below for a quick tutorial for Google Maps for Mobile.

Is it any good?

After testing Google Transit on my mobile, I’m impressed. It’s easy to use and it has plenty of very useful options.

Here’s my favorite: If you discover you’ll be traveling from a bus stop that you’ve never been to, switch to satellite view and zoom in to see the streets and the buildings to find your way easier.

The launch of of Google Transit for mobiles is very timely. More people need to park their car and choose public transportation to cut CO2 emissions. The high fuel prices may contribute, and maybe Google Transit will too?

My one complaint is that even though the Google Promo says transit directions are available for more than 50 cities world wide, the vast majority is in the US. See the complete list of cities.

Find public transportation with Google Maps for Mobile

Intro to Google Transit

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