Google Maps now allows users to pay for parking, mass transit tickets

With the Covid-19 pandemic still prevalent around the world, many have restricted traveling based on priority. Though there is a considerable drop in usage of Google Maps, this hasn't stopped the company from developing value-added features to the navigation app.

Even during the phased removal of lockdown in the second half of 2020, Google Maps introduced Covid-19 red zone alerts with an estimated number of infection cases so that the commuters can avoid those regions.

Now, Mountain View-based firm has announced two new features. One, users will be able to pay the parking fees and two, he/she can pay for public transit tickets, all within the Google Maps.

Pay for parking feature is rolling out to the Google Maps Android version and initially, it will be available in more than 400 cities in the U.S, (including Boston, Cincinnati, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C, and more). While the same will be introduced to the iOS version in the coming weeks.

How to use the pay for parking feature on Google Maps
Once you reach a particular destination with automatic parking payment support on Google Maps, the 'Pay for Parking' notification will pop-up on the screen. Then, users need to enter the meter number, the amount of time they want to park for and tap 'Pay.' Also, users can easily extend the parking session on Google Maps app.

Pay for Parking feature on Google Maps. Credit: Google

As far as the Public transport ticket payment is concerned, it will be available in more than 80 countries.

"You'll be able to plan your trip, buy your fare, and start riding without needing to toggle between multiple apps. You can understand how to pay in advance and even get your fare ready to go before you arrive at the station - which is helpful when you’re not sure what payment options a transit agency supports," the company said.

Here's how to pay the bus fare on Google Maps
When a user looks for transit direction on Google Maps, he/she will get to see the route information along with the option to pay via phone with the credit or debit cards already linked to your Google Pay account.

Users can pay bus fare on Google Maps via Google Pay. Credit: Google

And in places like the San Francisco Bay Area, users also be able to buy a digital Clipper card directly from Google Maps. Once you’ve purchased the fare, all users need to do is tap the phone on the reader or show the digital ticket to breeze on board, the company added.

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