Metra announces Google Maps Trip Planner

Google and Metra have teamed up to offer Google Maps Trip Planner, a trip planning feature allowing Chicago area residents and visitors the ability to plan their trips on the commuter railroad.  The service, unveiled last month and still in the beta design phase,  combines the online mapping technology of Google Maps with Metra schedule information to show riders the easiest and most convenient way to get where they need to go anywhere in the Metra service area.

Simply go to Google Maps Trip Planner and enter your starting point, date, travel time and destination. Riders will then see:

• The next three Metra train departures from the station closest to the starting point
• Step-by-step directions that include walking directions to the station and any transfers to CTA buses or trains that may be necessary.
• A graphic depiction of the route on a map
• An option to use the map to search for businesses or landmarks near your station or destination and much more.

At present time, the product does not provide driving directions to a station when the starting address is beyond a reasonable walk. Pace suburban bus service is also not available at this time. For Pace routes that serve Metra stations, visit the appropriate Metra station page for a listing of their routes or visit the Pace Bus web site.

Click here for a Google Transit How to Guide.