A new Google Maps feature will make train travel easier, with more than 130 stations in Sydney added to Street View imagery.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the new technology is especially important in assisting customers navigate unfamiliar or complex journeys, and for those with accessibility needs.
“This new Google Maps tool provides commuters with an interactive, panoramic, indoor tour of the stations, helping people plan their journeys and familiarise themselves with station layouts across most of the Sydney Trains and Sydney Metro network ahead of their commute.”
Google has also developed detailed navigation instructions for accessible routes across 70 complex train and metro stations across Sydney.
“This initiative is fantastic news for commuters. Finding your way around a busy station can be stressful, especially when you are pressed for time. It is great to see Google rolling out these helpful navigation tools today to help commuters plan and navigate their journeys – both in advance and when they are inside the station,” Mr Constance said.
“These tools allow commuters to find accessible entrances, exits, signage and paths within the station and better anticipate in-transit travel times along these accessible routes.”
Mr Ramesh Nagarajan, The Director of Product Management at Google Australia, said; “whether you’re traveling with a wheelchair, pram, and luggage or navigating an unfamiliar or complex journey, we hope these rich, accessible navigation tools help people plan and travel with more ease and confidence.”
In an Australian/world first, Google has shared the data with Transport for NSW to make available for the transport industry and app developers to access via the Open Data Portal.