Waiting for a bus could become less uncertain thanks to a new Google Maps feature that shows bus movements in real time.
In towns and villages, bus arrivals are often uncertain and buses are cancelled without explanation. The situation in London is not much better, with lower average speeds, altered routes and fewer passengers.
Now, bus travel is more predictable with Google Maps' new live tracking feature, which allows passengers to track any bus anywhere in England, including outside London. It works like taxi or food delivery apps, showing in real time how close the bus is to the stop.
This tracker launched today as part of an initiative by the Department of Transportation and Google, ending the need to “find out when the bus is coming,” said Transportation Secretary Heidi Alexander.
Unlike some other apps, this is the first time Google Maps has integrated this feature into its platform, which has millions of users in Britain every day.
Reactions on social media have been positive. One user wrote: “As a Sheffielder who has to find bus timetables every Saturday – this is the best update and initiative the government has done. I feel like a privileged Londoner. I love this.” Another added: “Now do the same for trains.”
The Transport Secretary said: “Passengers shouldn’t have to wait around wondering when their bus will arrive, regardless of their location. The collaboration with Google brings live bus tracking to more areas of England for the first time.”
Sarah-Jayne Williams, Director of Geographic Partnerships at Google Maps, added that this feature gives "millions of passengers the confidence to plan their trips accurately."
While Londoners have been fortunate to have real-time bus departure information boards from TfL, the situation is more difficult in rural and semi-rural areas where bus services are reduced.
The government has also blocked increases in bus fares until next year. A national cap of £3 for a single ticket will apply outside London until March 2027, replacing the previous cap of £2.
In London, ticket prices will remain unchanged until July 5, 2026, with a pay-as-you-go fare of £1,75 for an adult, which allows unlimited bus travel for one hour from the first moment of use. /GazetaExpress/
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