Google Transit Arrives in Phoenix
Posted on 24. May, 2010 by Tony Arranaga in News
UPDATE: Link to Google Transit
Planning your next trip on the METRO light rail or bus in Phoenix is a cinch thanks Google. Valley Metro announced today that riders can now use Google Transit to plan your commute. Valley Metro and the 14 member cities of the Regional Public Transit Association spent the last several months working with the internet giant to bring this feature to Valley residents. According to a release on the METRO light rail Facebook page.
The Phoenix area joins hundreds of cities in the U.S. who are providing transit, bicycle and walking routes with Google Maps. For those who are not regular bus or light rail passengers, and may need to find a way to work or to school, they can now go to the popular site and view their transit, walk or bike trip on a map.
“People who are familiar with Google, but not necessarily transit, will love this new tool,” said David Boggs, Valley Metro executive director. “Riders don’t have to sort through timetables to plan a trip, just enter your desired trip times and Google takes care of the rest.”
On a personal note, this is wonderful news for people who use public transit in Phoenix. The previous trip planner on Valley Metro’s website was a little challenging to figure out, so this should make planning a trip around Phoenix a breeze. Have you tried using Google Transit in Phoenix? What do you think? Click on the link if you need some instructions on how to use Google Transit in Phoenix.
UPDATE 1: Link to Google Transit
3 Responses to “Google Transit Arrives in Phoenix”
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Kim
25. May, 2010
I’ve just tried this, and it is fantastic so far though I’ve only tried it for a few minutes so can’t report any issues yet. I’m just ecstatic as this will help me get out of a jam when I’m in an unfamiliar area. If anything, knowing that I can easily get the information I need on Google Transit is making me consider going out more often as it’ll be easier to plan trips. Thanks so much! Well worth the wait!
Tony Arranaga
27. May, 2010
Thanks for your comment, Kim! I agree.. much needed here in Phoenix. I’m not a huge fan of the current trip planner, so hopefully this will make things easier.
Having said that… I tried using Google Transit the other day on my smart phone. I was physically closer to a light rail station to start my trip, but Google Transit took me to a bus stop instead? Kinda weird, maybe the system still has some bugs to work out?
Darrell Shandrow
11. Oct, 2010
Unfortunately, I can’t seem to find Phoenix on the list of Google Transit cities, though requesting transit directions does seem to work.
I am also trying to access Google Transit using Unibus on my Iphone, but it doesn’t show Phoenix as a listed city.
Is this not yet fully implemented?