Google Maps update will solve the nightmare problem with buses in the UK

The interminable wait at the bus stop — wondering if it's ever going to turn up — could soon be a thing of the past.Californian technology firm is working with the UK Government to bring live, real-time tracking for buses nationwide in Google Maps. It means you'll be able to see an ETA for the next bus when planning your route in the popular navigation app.Londoners have enjoyed watching their buses move across a map for years through the Transport for London site, but Britons in small towns and rural villages have had to rely on outdated timetables and pure guesswork. With the latest partnership between the UK Government and Google, the same real-time technology will available in every corner of the country.Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "For too long, getting from A to B has been more complicated than it needs to be. People want journeys to be easy and reliable. They want to be able to get off a train and straight on to a bus without having to battle through a confusing system or buy separate tickets for each part of their journey."That’s why we’re giving local leaders the powers to build transport networks that are simpler, more accessible and better connected, improving everyday journeys and supporting growth in every corner of the country." Google Maps will display buses moving in real-time on your map for free, with data updating constantly throughout your journey. You'll see precise arrival times rather than just scheduled ones, which means no more guessing whether your bus is running late.To use it, open Google Maps on your mobile, type in your destination, and tap the "Public Transport" option. You'll instantly see where your bus is and when it's expected to arrive.The Department for Transport backs the service, which works much like ride-hailing apps you're probably already familiar with.Sarah-Jayne Williams, Director of Geo Partnerships at Google Maps, said: "We are committed to using data and technology to help people make more sustainable and informed travel choices every day. By integrating real-time bus information across England into Google Maps, we are giving millions of passengers the confidence to plan their journeys accurately."This partnership with the Department for Transport ensures that whether you are heading to work or visiting friends, you have accurate, live arrival times right at your fingertips. Making public transport easier to navigate is key to creating a more connected and sustainable future for everyone."The partnership is part of the Government's recent Better Connected transport strategy, which contains more than 40 fully funded commitments to make your daily journeys simpler. The feature is expected to roll out to all parts of the country gradually. LATEST DEVELOPMENTSGet your broadband for HALF PRICE when you switch to ThreeNightmare' Amazon rule change could leave 2 million Kindle e-readers obsoleteBest VPN dealsRoku is treating million to 5 new channels for freeGoogle reveals tough new rules to block dodgy Android appsThis isn't the only update Google Maps has been working on recently. The platform has just rolled out clever new Artificial Intelligence (AI) charging features for more than 350 Android Auto car models in the US. These are electric vehicles (EVs) that allow you to plug in (or wirelessly connect) your Android phone to display its apps on the car’s built-in infotainment screen. This means Google Maps will now tell you exactly when and where to stop for a charge, based on your specific vehicle and current battery level. It's ideal for anyone who's ever felt that familiar nagging fear that their battery won't make it to the next charging point.The US tech firm has also unveiled its biggest overhaul to Google Maps in years, bringing a slew of new features powered by its AI assistant, Gemini. According to the Californian company, the incoming shake-up will be "fundamentally changing what a map can do".Gemini is similar to the recent rollout of Alexa+ in the UK, bringing a swathe of new AI features to the chatty assistant built into millions of Echo smart speakers, Fire TVs, and Echo Show smart home kit.The arrival of Gemini means you'll be able to speak to Google Maps in natural language. So, instead of dictating the destination as you've been able to do in Google Maps since the introduction of voice-activated searches in 2008, you'll now be able to pose a problem to the navigation software.For example, you could say, “My phone is dying — where can I charge it without having to wait in a long line for coffee?” or “Is there a public tennis court with lights on that I can play at tonight?” Until now, this would've required sifting through dozens of listings and reviews, or searching on Google to find the right location.Google also has yet to announce Gemini's arrival on Maps in the UK. Stay tuned to GBN Tech as we monitor Google's continued rollouts and expansions to other regions. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter