Google Maps to get first mile transit, new UI and more soon

Google is planning on adding a bunch of new features to its navigational app, Google Maps. These new features will not only change, to some extent, the user experience but they will also help commuters who use a mix of personal vehicle and public transportation to plan their journey better.

The news comes as a courtesy of Jane Manchun Wong to share the details of these features in a series of tweets. Here’s a breakdown of all the features that are likely to make their way to Google Maps in the coming days:

New Search bar

Google is planning to redesign the Search bar in Maps. At present, the Search bar has flat edges with the microphone and user’s profile picture on the right side. Now, word is that Maps will get rounded edges. The redesigned Search bar will have Google Maps logo on the left side and microphone and user’s profile picture on the right side.

Bay Wheels integration

Google Maps is also working on deep integration with San Francisco-based bike sharing service Bay Wheels.

First mile transit information

Google is working on a new “Connections to Public Transit” feature that will give users more detailed information for a commute that requires them to use a mix of personal vehicle and public transit. For instance, a commuter might be using a combination of a motorcycle and a metro rail to get to work.

As per the details shared by Wong, Maps is offering car + transit, bicycle + transit, auto rickshaw, ride service and motorcycle + transit as options as a part of this feature.

New Place card

Google Maps is also likely to get new place cards wherein photos from a particular place, say a restaurant or a tourist place becomes a part of the card.

More accurate cab fare

In addition to this, Google is also working with Uber to bring more accurate cab fares to Maps in the rides that users intend to take. While users will have to toggle a switch to get details about a particular cab service available in their area but for now Uber seems to be the only available option.

Lastly, Google is also working on adding Review Mentions to Maps wherein it lists top keywords of a place’s reviews.