Google Maps has now reacted to the worldwide relaxation measures around Corona. From now on there are some new security features in the App.
Corona changes pretty much everything in our lives – even the way we move. What hardly anyone was interested in before (for example: when is the subway emptyest during rush hours?), suddenly becomes a security issue.
Google Maps has now responded to these concerns about Corona and introduced some new security features.
Avoid overcrowded means of transport
On Google Maps you will not only find information on the travel times of public transport. You can also see how full they are. This feature is not entirely new. But due to Corona, Google Maps has updated it.
Now, just like with speed camera notifications, users can give their own assessment and indicate in the app whether the bus or train is full, very full or empty.
Can I keep a safe distance at bus stops?
Another question that we have probably never really thought about before concerns the stops. We all know by now keeping a safe distance is the best way to prevent infection.
But if you are standing close to a stop with lots of people, this is certainly not the case. How crowded the stops are is therefore another detail that you can now see in the app because of Corona on Google Maps.
The feature was introduced by Google on 8 June and is valid for peak times.
It works like this. You search for your stop on Google Maps or simply click on the map to find the stop you are looking for. You’ll see “Live” under the name of the stop, along with the number of passengers on that stop.
When you go to the info, Google Maps will then show you a bar chart showing you how large or small the current crowd is compared to other times.
This information comes from Google users who have activated their location history. By default, the location history is turned off in the app. So you need to set it to active. Google says the stop information was based on anonymous data.
If there isn’t enough information about a stop, it won’t be displayed, Google writes in a blog post.
More information about accessibility
Another innovation in Google Maps has not necessarily anything to do with Corona, but is still worth mentioning. Google Maps now also shows you whether a stop is barrier-free. This information is collected by users and should be available worldwide.
Wheelchair users can then also see other important details, such as whether the entrances are barrier-free.
