Overview
Google's just made life a whole lot easier for people across the world, this week launching a new wheelchair-friendly transit feature for its Maps app.
While Google Maps has been helping users get around their cities on public transport for years, a lack of information about important things like wheelchair accessible trains and elevator locations has made the app way less user-friendly for those with limited mobility.
But that's set to change, with Google Maps in Sydney, Tokyo, New York, London, Boston and Mexico City now featuring wheelchair accessible route options. When getting directions for public transport, users in these cities can simply hit 'options' and select 'wheelchair accessible' under 'routes' to access a list of suggested courses that take mobility needs into consideration. It's not only a huge (and overdue) win for travellers with physical disabilities, but it's also useful for those getting around on crutches or pushing prams.
Google's been enlisting the help of people across the globe to improve this part of its services, gathering accessibility information from individuals and groups of Local Guides for over 12 million places. Plenty more cities are expected to add these wheelchair accessible routes in the coming months — let's hope Melbourne and Brisbane are among them.