Google Transit launches in SEQ

Almost 1500 TransLink train, bus and ferry services can be accessed via Google, with south east Queensland’s entire public transport network now available through Google Transit.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said Google Transit provided another avenue for passengers to plan their journeys, across one of the largest networks in the world.

“Tourists and visitors to south east Queensland will find this a useful tool, and it continues our promise to reinvigorate tourism which is part of Queensland’s four pillar economy,” Mr Emerson said.

“Google Transit is a fast, convenient and easy-to-use public transport journey planner that acts as an alternative to TransLink’s current journey planner.

“It works by combining TransLink’s network data with Google Maps, integrating transit stops, public transport routes, schedules and fare information.

“Passengers can enter their start and end points and Google Maps will provide a variety of public transport options that best suits the journey – including walking and cycling routes.

“The beauty of using Google Maps as a platform for journey planning is that the interface is familiar to people from all corners of the globe.”

Public transport users could use Google Transit in more than 80 cities around the world, including New York, London and Tokyo.

Nabil Nahgdy, Product Manager for Google Maps, Australia and New Zealand said Google Transit was also available on Google Maps for Androids and iPhones.

“Simply search for where you want to go and Google Maps will show you how to get there using public transport from your current location,” Mr Nahgdy said.

Mr Emerson thanked Google for partnering with the Newman Government to make Google Transit a reality for hundreds of thousands of passengers who use the network daily.

“This is yet another improvement we’ve made to public transport, including halving Labor’s fare hikes for 2013 and 2014, providing free travel after nine weekly journeys and adding 2000 additional weekly services,” he said.

For more information about Google Transit, visit google.com.au/transit