Ireland’s public transport system has been mapped by Google, enabling commuters to plan their journeys from door to destination.
Google Maps Transit is now live in Ireland as a result of a partnership between Google and the National Transport Authority.
“Today the public transportation systems of over 800 cities are on Google Maps and it is great to add the towns and cities in the Republic of Ireland to this ever-growing list,” said David Tattersall, product manager with Google Maps Ireland.
“With over 1bn monthly active users of Google Maps services, more than 50pc of global Google Maps usage is mobile, demonstrating the popularity of our mapping services to people ‘on the move’.”
The authority provided Google with the route network and timetable data behind its popular Journey Planner.
Journey planning all in one place
As a result, all bus services (including commercial operators, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus), Irish Rail (including the Dart), Luas – and even the Dursey Island Cable Car – are now mapped on Google Transit, and readily available to all Google users planning a trip.
“Google Maps is a key ‘go to’ place for anyone researching a journey – either at home or abroad,” said Gerry Murphy, chief executive of the National Transport Authority.
“We are delighted that our really useful Journey Planning information will be there – to hand and ready to use – for everyone going to Google Maps. It’s a natural next step for us following the successful launch of our Journey Planner last year.”
Using the service, commuters can specify their desired departure time and they are given various trip choices in return.
They also get walking directions to the nearest bus stop or train station.
Google will now put transit data in the context of other information, such as business listings and Street View images.
The development has been welcomed by Transport Minister Alan Kelly, TD. “Commuters and travellers across the Republic of Ireland are now able to use Google Maps on the web, on their Android phones, iPhones or tablets to plan their public transport journeys.
Tattersall added: “It’s all about making it easier for commuters and visitors to use public transport and the experience in other cities is that providing information on integrated transportation services online through a variety of channels can increase passenger usage.”
