maps and directions

maps and directions Metro Transit's embrace of green technology keeps rolling as riders can now plan their trips using Google Maps and use GPS data to track bus locations and arrival times on smartphones and PCs. Metro already has 19 hybrid buses and a pilot program with wireless Internet on two buses. The Google and GPS technology will let riders choose the quickest route or the one with the fewest transfers, and show how long it will take to reach a destination. The smartphone and computer applications show where buses are and when they'll arrive at a stop. The information will make it much simpler to navigate Metro's 60-plus routes and 2,200 bus stops, Metro General Manager Chuck Kamp said at a press conference Monday. Metro — which gave 13.6 million rides last year, its second highest total in history — has had an 18 percent increase in the past five years and hopes technology will make it easier for more people to change their commuting habits, officials said. "We're using technology to be more customer friendly," Kamp said. "This is a great improvement."

maps and directions