Google Maps Launches NYC Subway/Public Transit Directions

Google has announced that their Google Maps product now supports public transit directions. This is very exciting news for me as a person who loves public transit. In my testing this morning, I give the system a grade of C. It's a good first start and will get you to your destination but they have a lot of work to do. For example, there are many places where multiple trains share the same tracks but Google Maps only pushes you to one train. This could cost tourists 10+ minutes waiting for the train that Google suggested. There are also times where hopping on a local if it arrives first makes sense but Google also misses that. This is a project I'd love to be involved with.

The problem is that Google Maps is missing a real human expert who would say "take the 4 OR 5". It will be interesting to see how today's Google Maps launch will affect HopStop. Google has apparently been working on this system for a year notes ReadWriteWeb.

Here's a demo video that the Google Maps team put together. Be careful if you follow their directions from the Met to the Mets. It takes you through 2 extra transfers and a bit of walking that's not needed. The best way is to take the 4/5 at 86th and transfer to the 7 at 42nd and if it's in the afternoon, take the 7 Express. Any NY'er knows that :)