UK Government Partners with Google for Real-Time Bus Tracking in Maps Nationwide

The UK Government has partnered with Google to implement real-time tracking for buses nationwide in Google Maps, allowing users to see live locations and estimated arrival times. This initiative, backed by the Department for Transport, will make the technology available across the entire country.

The feature displays buses moving in real-time on maps for free, with data updating constantly throughout journeys.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated: '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.'

The real-time bus tracking could provide estimated time of arrival for the next bus when planning routes. Google Maps will show precise arrival times for buses rather than scheduled ones. To use the real-time bus feature, users open Google Maps on their mobile, type in a destination, and tap the 'Public Transport' option to see bus locations and expected arrival times.

The partnership is part of the Government's Better Connected transport strategy, which contains more than 40 fully funded commitments to make daily journeys simpler. The real-time bus tracking feature is expected to roll out gradually to all parts of the country.

A Director of Geo Partnerships at Google Maps stated: '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. ' A Californian technology firm is working with the UK Government to bring this live tracking to buses in Google Maps.

Londoners have used the Transport for London site to watch buses move across a map for years. Separately, Google Maps has rolled out new Artificial Intelligence charging features for more than 350 Android Auto car models in the US. The AI charging features apply to electric vehicles that connect Android phones to car infotainment screens via plug-in or wireless methods.

These features in Google Maps provide exact locations and times to stop for charging based on specific vehicle and current battery level. Google has unveiled a major overhaul to Google Maps with new features powered by its AI assistant Gemini. Voice-activated searches have been available in Google Maps since 2008.