Google Trip Planner

Q. What is Google Transit Trip Planner?
A. Through the technology of Google Maps, the Google Transit Trip Planner integrates transit agency station, stop, route and schedule information to make trip planning quick and easy.

Q. Why is GO Transit participating?
A. GO Transit is pleased to offer the Google Transit Trip Planner as many people are familiar with and enjoy using Google products. This service provides an easy, free and fast way for GO customers to get trip information.

Q. Is Google Transit accessible?
A. Google Transit has accessibility features for persons who use screen readers or Braille displays. The technology of Google Maps provides an easy-to-use interface that gives trip information on these devices.

Q. How many languages is Google Transit available in?
A. Google Transit is available in 45 different languages.

Q. Can Google Transit be accessed on mobile devices?
A. Google Transit can be accessed on mobile devices through the Google Maps application.

Q. What other agencies in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) are participating in Google Transit?
A. Currently, GO Transit, York Region Transit (YRT)/VIVA, and Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) are the only participating agencies. It is expected that other agencies will join in the near future. Please note that the TTC is not participating as of yet.

Q. Is there a way to plan a trip using GO Transit exclusively?
A. Google Transit Trip Planner uses a combination of participating agencies to calculate the best trip plans. As there is no way to select an individual transit agency for your trip plan, you may see multi-agency trip plans.

Q. If the trip planner suggests combining two or more transit agencies, do I have to pay individual fares separately?
A. Yes, for now, although there are plans to introduce an integrated fare payment system for transit agencies in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton areas in future. Please visit the individual transit agencies' websites for fare information, or click here for additional GO Transit fare information.

Q. Why won't my GO station or terminal come up in the search?
A. When searching using a GO station or terminal, you may be asked to select from a list. All official train and bus station and terminal names provided by GO Transit will be searchable in spring 2010. During the launch phase, you may need to select a choice from the list provided. It may result in your suggested itinerary showing additional walking time, or an additional bus connection. This shortcoming should be significantly improved by spring 2010.

Q. Why is the trip planner suggesting that I walk 20 minutes around my GO station?
A. During the launch phase, station locations and entrances are not perfected. As a result, the Google Transit may direct you to walk excessive distances. This shortcoming should be significantly improved by spring 2010.

Q. Why are the layouts of existing stations nonexistent or shown on the aerial map in an older configuration?
A. The aerial shots used by Google are sometimes out of date or difficult to see. You may chose to notify Google using the “Report a problem” tool in Google Maps if this occurs. GO Transit is not responsible for the accuracy of Google Maps, including the road networks and satellite images.

Q. Are all of GO Transit's bus stops online with Google?
A. Currently, only major stops shown on GO schedules are included on Google Transit. GO is working to add local stops incrementally by early 2011. As a result, the trip planner may direct you to travel further from/to your starting/ending point to the nearest major bus stop, even if there are local stops closer. Currently, bus routes belonging to the Hwy. 407 and Lakeshore West corridors include all bus stops.

Q. Why can't I see GO Transit bus stop icons drawn on Google Maps?
A. Google expects to have GO Transit bus stop icons drawn on Google Maps by late spring 2010. As additional GO Transit bus stops are made available over the course of 2010, it takes approximately three to four months for the icons to be drawn for each update.

Q. Why isn't the GO Train station icon being shown in the right location on Google Maps?
A. Similar to bus stops, the train station icons also take three to four months to be drawn in the accurate location. Current icons are drawn based on other sources (non-GO).

Q. Are the times provided in real time?
A. The times provided by the trip planner are the scheduled times found on the GO Transit timetables on our website. This also means that temporary detours and service disruptions are not reflected in the trip results. Please arrive early to ensure that you do not miss your train or bus.

Q. What if I know a better routing plan?
A. Google Transit uses a complex system to determine the best three options for a search or query. This process (officially called an algorithm) considers factors such as minimum travel time, minimum number of transfers and minimum walking distance/time. It is meant to be a tool to help customers access schedule information.

Q. Why is my trip plan suggesting I "backtrack" to complete my trip, and how do I know the required fare in this case?
A. Backtracking refers to suggestions that you travel away from your destination only to have you travel back again (towards your destination). While it may seem odd for the trip planner to provide a backtracking option, it may be logical from a travel time perspective at certain times during the day.

In some cases, when you plan a trip using the Google Trip Planner, you may be provided with a planned trip that involves backtracking, transfers, or extended wait times. In the event this occurs, please contact GO Transit or the local transit provider to confirm the connections and determine the fare.