Green Jersey

Google Maps adds N.J. trains, buses

Fellow PATH riders, rejoice — Google Maps now provides mass-transit directions for PATH, as well as Metropolitan Transit Authority trains and New York metro area buses.

Mass transit directions are offered alongside driving directions.

I stopped using paper maps long ago, when I discovered HopStop. But I’ve always liked the look and functionality of Google Maps, and am glad to see Google get in on (more) mass transit. After all, train and bus riders like to be told where to go too. (The site has offered NJ Transit rail and light rail directions since March.)

I like that you can type in the names of restaurants, coffeeshops and bars, and instantly get train and bus directions to them. A gray line and person symbol show you where you need to walk. I tested it out a little, asking for directions to favorite places in Newark, Montclair and South Orange, and it passed.

However, when I typed in “grove street path” to a closet-sized creperie on the Lower East Side, Google Maps told me to get off at 23rd Street and transfer to the F. It should be a switch at 14th. But that’s okay. I didn’t use Google Maps for mass transit before, so I actually know a thing or two about getting around.