London public transport information added to Google Maps

Public transport directions and information for London are now available as part of Google Maps.

Covering over 18,000 London bus stops and more than 250 Underground stations, the new service is available on the Google Maps website, on Google Maps for mobile and as part of the Google Maps app on Android.

After putting in a starting place and a destination, the app will work out the best possible route along with alternatives. The service recognises postcodes, popular places, business and restaurants.

The Android app uses location data to work out the best trip to a destination based on where someone is. Android users can also use Transit Navigation in Google Maps that includes information on when to get off a bus or train or where to make transfer.

The service makes use of the publicly available timetable information that Transport for London (TFL) publishes through the London Datastore.

Google's Thijs van As, associate product manager for transit directions, said: "We're strong supporters of open data and bringing information out into the open, and believe that making information publicly accessible can be an enormous engine of economic growth and innovation."

Public transport directions for much of the rest of the UK are also available, along with various countries across Europe. Google Maps navigation for London covers all Underground, bus, tram and Docklands Light Railway lines. Mr van As said that more public transport information would be added as soon as it's available.