June 04--Although Google Maps announced Tuesday on its blog that it is now using real-time transit information to calculate commute times in Chicago, the information was actually integrated into the service starting last year, according to a company spokeswoman.
What has changed is the way the information on Google Maps is displayed, according to spokeswoman Mara Harris, making it so that if a bus or train is delayed or on time, the information stands out on the site.
The CTA and Pace are among roughly 125 agencies across the world for which Google Maps uses real-time data, Harris said. On Tuesday, the company also announced on its blog that it has added the service in Seattle, San Francisco and Budapest, Hungary, as well as agencies across the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
"We've been working hard over the past six months to add quite a few to the map in major metropolitan areas," Harris said.
Real-time data for CTA buses and trains was added March 2014, and for Pace suburban bus service in January, the spokeswoman said. The company has yet to integrate real-time information from Metra on its site.
Commuters can track delays for Metra on its site at metrarail.com, according to spokesman Michael Gillis. On its trip-planning tool at rtachicago.org, the Regional Transportation Authority calculates delays integrating all three agencies.
mmrodriguez@tribpub.com
