With the COVID-19 pandemic still happening around the world, there are some countries that have started to reopen their borders. To help make things easier to move around, Google Maps has unveiled a new feature that takes care of this problem.
One of the features that Google Maps released today is that it will now give alerts from local transit agencies. The feature sends out an alert on affected services and even a reminder to wear a mask while using public transport. This feature is now available in the countries that are among the hardest hit of the virus-- the US, Brazil, United Kingdom, India, Spain, France, Mexico, Belgium, Netherlands, Colombia, Argentina, Australia, and Thailand. They will be rolling out the feature to more countries soon.
In addition to this, Google Maps now also sends out alerts related to coronavirus checkpoints and restrictions along your route, especially if you are crossing borders. These driving alerts will pop up on your directions screen and once you start navigation. This alert is available in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Another feature available is alerts for medical facilities and COVID-19 testing centers. If you are driving to one of these places, Google Maps will show an alert that reminds you to check your eligibility for any of these facilities so you don’t get turned down. Google says this feature will roll out in Indonesia, Israel, the Philippines, South Korea, and the US. The alerts for testing centers are now available in the US.
An extra feature that Google Maps has made available for public transit is to let passengers know the status of a certain bus or train before you get on it. This feature lets users crowdsource information on how many passengers a particular bus or train has. You can learn this by visiting Transit Details on the app.
The app has also rolled out insights that contain information on onboard security and temperature. They are also rolling out improved accessibility information, with notes on seating, stop buttons, and wheelchair accessible doors. These features are available globally.
Google is also letting you know how busy a particular station is. This will soon be available to users in the coming weeks.
