Google announces Google Transit for Perth

Internet giant Google has announced that Perth will be the first city in the southern hemisphere to have the “Google Transit” software available within ‘Google Maps’. Google CEO Eric Schmidt (pictured) was in Sydney this week to announce the collaboration between Transperth and Google Maps. 

Google Transit will make public transport routes and timetables available within Google Maps.

The software promises to simplify travel directions in Perth for commuters, tourists and overnight businesspeople. Visitors to Google Maps will be offered scroll menus to customise the how, where and when of their trips. A visual route also appears on Google Maps.

The Google Transit software will complement standard Google Maps features that include click-and-drag maps, terrain and satellite views, local landmarks and businesses.

“You can find the quickest route to take, when buses and trains are leaving, and because it integrates with Google Maps, it can recommend some cafes in the area,” added Google’s head of engineering for Australia Alan Noble.

Noble said the company would like to work with other cities to roll out Google Transit across Australia.

Google also revealed that it will move into new Australian headquarters in 2009 in Pyrmont, Sydney. The building is NSW’s first six-star Green Star building.