Google Maps Introduces Commute Tab, Integrates Music Apps Like Google Play Music, Apple Music & Spotify.

Google has updated its Google Maps with new features designed for commuters, which provide a greater degree of information, —along with integrated in-app music controls, to make travel more enjoyable.

“Today, we’re rolling out new features on Google Maps to help you take control of your daily commute— enabling you to plan ahead, prepare for the inevitable disruptions, and possibly avoid them altogether,” Google Maps group product manager Ramesh Nagarajan writes. “Oh, and we’ll also help you have a bit of fun along the way.”

Here’s what’s new;

Commute tab

The new Commute tab provides personalised live traffic and transit information, warnings when your commute will be longer than usual, and reports about traffic and accidents. And as before, Maps will tell you about alternative routes proactively when there are problems.

Support for mixed-mode commutes.

Also, for those who have mixed-mode commutes such as a drive, walk and ride on transit, a new feature will automatically calculate your ETA across all modes to let you know when you’ll get to work.

Real-time transit delay information.

Transit riders in over 80 regions will now receive real-time information about the exact location of the bus or train they wish to catch. And in a few select locations, you can even find out how full a bus or train is. (This feature will be expanded “soon,” Google says.)

There will now be in-app music controls within Google Maps, with support coming for Apple Music, Spotify and Google Play Music. Users will be able to control music and podcasts within Google Maps, without the need to jump back to their music app.

These updates are “rolling out globally on iOS and Android this week.