MBTA route information has just become available in Google Maps (both Web-based and Google Maps Mobile). Google and the MBTA are planning on formally debuting it at a press conference at South Station in an hour or so.
I checked, and the data that the MBTA gave to Google has the same errors I’ve been complaining to the T about for over six years.
Since South Station is a short walk from where I work, I’ll be paying a visit and handing out this flyer to any reporters I find there:
(click for PDF)
If I’m lucky maybe I’ll even get to shout out a question to Dan Graubaskas and ask what he’s planning on doing about the fact that the routes given out by Google Maps are wrong because of incorrect data provided by the T.
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Tags: Boston, Dan Grabauskas, Google Maps, MBTA, Trip Planner
[...] delighted to discover a few days ago that the problem with the MBTA’s on-line route data that I’ve been trying to get the T to fix for over six years and almost got arrested over is now fixed in Google [...]
[...] It just became a little little easier to figure out if you can get there from here on the MBTA. Google Maps rolled out a new service that allows users to map directions on buses and trains operated by the MBTA. The visual aspects of the Google service are a little easier to use; the map is easier to see and to manipulate. On the other hand, there still are some quirks to work out … fares aren’t listed, which is an important consideration for many trips … the system doesn’t seamlessly recognize the names of transit stations the way the MBTA’s system does … and Google is more tolerant of transfers and plodding travel times than is the MBTA. And some of Google’s selections clearly are not the best routes. For example, for directions from South Station to Needham Center station (just west of Route 128) departing at 2 pm today, Google’s first choice is an hour-long, two-transfer odyssey; if instead you set the clock to arrive at 3:06pm (the time that leisurely trip is scheduled to arrive), Google’s first choice becomes more sensible 40 minute railroad trip. Hmmmm…. 40 minutes and no transfers in a reasonably comfortable railcar or 1 hour and two transfers on the subway, trolley, and bus … not a tough choice, at least when the fare is unknown. On the other hand I guess all of the routes are in the list. And, of course, it would help if the route data was cleaned up a bit. [...]
Jonathan,
Anybody who rides the T knows to budget an extra hour and a half to travel time each way to account for delays and incompetence. It’s common knowledge to those who use the system.
Keep up the fight, but I don’t think the T gives a hoot. They’re the only game in town.
[...] Something better to do Musings of an indignant mind « MBTA routes are now in Google Maps, but they’re still wrong! [...]