The tie up with Kolkata buses is the first real-time transit information launch for Google Maps in India
Commuters in Kolkata will be able to get real time bus information in Google maps from today.
"This is the first launch of real-time transit information for Google Maps in India from today," a Google statement said in Kolkata today.
Google has teamed up with West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) to add real-time information about bus arrival times for Kolkata on Google Maps, making it easier for people to plan their trips.
This service is currently enabled for key WBTC transit routes and is scheduled to be expanded to the remaining routes in the future.
"This is yet another attempt to bring smart public transport to Kolkata and to improve the performance of WBTC.
We are committed to improve public transport," state Transport Minister Subhendu Adhikari said.
"By sharing the real-time transit information of our buses with Google Maps, we are striving to deliver an enhanced level of service for our commuters. We expect this to help increase the footfall in our buses and improve revenue realisation," WBTC managing director NS Nigam said.
The West Bengal government has already introduced 'Pathadisha' app of state-run buses in association with World Bank and Korea's Green Growth fund as development partners.
The app allows viewing of real time movement of buses of a location in a map. However, the app is facing bandwidth issues.