Mass transit delays and Wi-Fi Only are coming to the Android version of Google Maps

Some changes are rolling out to certain Android users of Google Maps running v9.32. Unfortunately, not everyone is receiving them at the same time. You will know if you are one of the lucky ones if you have the Wi-Fi Only option listed in Settings. Toggle the switch on and the mapping features are no longer connected to a cellular network. The idea is that users can save data by using the app to navigate in certain areas while offline.

If you have Wi-Fi Only enabled, you will see a blue bar across the top of the screen indicating that the feature is "on." And you will see a small reminder that says some data might be used in this setting, although it will be "significantly less" than when Wi-Fi Only is disabled. This feature used to be called Offline areas on the app. Now, it has a new name and the toggle switch.

A new feature coming to the Android powered Google Maps gives users a real-time run down on how bus and trains are running. This way, if you are traveling by bus or train, you can see if there are delays on certain routes. This obviously comes in handy if you are contemplating using mass transit, and have to be at a certain place at a certain time. If there is a delay on the route you were planning to take, you can see if another bus or train is running on time. If all else fails, there is always Uber or a regular cab. The transit notifications are called "disruption alerts" by Google; you can choose to enable it by toggling on the switch that reads "Get real-time disruption alerts."

We don't know yet when the latest Google Maps version will be offered to all Android totin' Google Maps users. We also don't know whether these features are coming to the iOS app, although history suggests that they eventually will.


source: AndroidPolice