Increase Your Public Transit Use With Google Maps!

Google has done it again with a new feature added to Google Maps Mobile - public transit directions and schedules. We have the NYC subway and the Boston T system wireds, but If you're like me and don't live in an area with a lot of public transportation, using transit systems, especially buses, when you're visiting other places can be daunting - unfamiliar stations, unknown schedules, figuring out destinations when you're not sure where you're going in the first place. Unfortunately it ends up being easier sometimes to drive and use a map or a GPS.

Google has now solved that problem with the new release of Google Maps Mobile, where a second tab has been added under "directions", allowing you to choose between "driving" and "transit" options. You can enter your location and your destination and get step by step walking instructions to the bus stop or transit station, schedules for departure, directions to your final destination, and even search ahead for the latest return trip! This should work on iPhones, Windows Mobile, Palm, as well as a good number of regular mobile phones. As a bonus, if you have a "location aware" phone with GPS, you'll be able to use your current location to start and follow your little blue dot as you go towards your destination.

This is really exciting as it opens up the possibility of using public transportation to an incredible number of people that wouldn't otherwise, so whenever you can, leave your car behind and get on the bus/train/bike!

via Lifehacker