Google Maps & The MBTA, Together Again for the First Time = Google Transit

Are you a fan of Google Maps? Are you a fan of the MBTA? Wait, that second one might be a bit too much to ask for. How about: do you have to use the MBTA and/or would you like to use it more often and more efficiently?

Congratulations: The MBTA's bus, commuter rail, subway, and ferry are now incorporated in Google Transit for trip planning. The Google Maps blog has a great post with several suggestions of how to explore the the capabilities now offered. Also highlighted is the fact that the MBTA maps and schedules accessible through Google Transit are also linked with other regional entities such as Lexington Lexpress, the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority, and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority.

Even the MBTA acknowledged the addition of their data to Google Transit (without any explanation of why Boston is the 400th+ city to get added).

Whatever the politics involved, having this info readily available is boon to both hardcore commuters as well as visitors. Think about it, instead of trying to give your cousin's in-laws directions and schedule info over the phone, you can just tell them to look up Google Transit on their computer or mobile device. Finally.