Google Maps adds real-time public transit updates [w/video]

Starting today, Google Maps for mobile and desktop applications can alert you when your chosen form of public transportation is on time or, more likely, running way behind schedule. Google has partnered with transit agencies to integrate its live updates in four U.S. cities: Boston, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco; and two European cities: Madrid, Spain and Turin, Italy.

When you click on a transit station within Google Maps, the live transit update service will alert you if there are delays related to your trip. Google says that it's currently working with public transit partners in more cities to provide live data across the U.S. Google's live transit updates are available in the latest version of Google Maps for mobile (requires Android 1.6+), as well as Google Maps on all supported desktop browsers.

Here's a random factoid: in 2009, the average train in Japan was apparently 23 seconds late. Of course, that's unacceptable in Japan, a nation which prides itself on its amazing public transportation system. Could you imagine waiting an excruciating 23 seconds for a bus or train to arrive? Hit the jump to watch video of Google Map's live transit update.

[Source: The Official Google Blog]

The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience.