Google offers public transport search

Latest Google service offers door-to-door directions using public transport

Google has launched a beta of a new transit service that helps users plan a trip using public transport. 

The service offers door-to-door directions, including estimated walking times to the nearest station or bus stop, as well as the fare for the journey.

It also estimates the cost of the trip by car. Driving costs are based on the cost per mile of $0.405 that the US Internal Revenue Service allows companies to deduct as a business expense. It does not include toll charges or parking fees.

While the interface looks a lot like Google Local, the transit service for now will not be integrated.

"We wanted to develop the product further by learning through user feedback how people really use public transport data, and how Google Transit can be improved to be as useful as possible," the company said on the product's website.

The beta currently only contains data on the public transport system of Portland, Oregon. Google is inviting transport agencies across the world to contact the company to provide timetables and fare schedules.

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