Microsoft is working hard to take the hassle out of public transportation with the newly updated Bing Maps Preview app for Windows 8.1. Now you can plan your trip via bus, train, or subway in just a few short clicks and you can see route options, estimated departure and arrival times, and much more in a beautiful maps experience.
“With our latest release of the Bing Maps Preview app for Windows (8.1) we set out to take some of the hassle out of public transportation. In select cities in the US, Canada and the UK, we are shipping a trial experience to see if you find this useful,” Microsoft stated in an official blog post.
For example, the app now showcases a timeline that indicates how many transfers might be involved in your journey. The app will display the directions to the left of the map as well, so you can see every turn, stop, and transfer.
Another handy feature is the ability to look for stops nearby. All you have to do is pull up the “Nearby transit” view, which showcases the closest transit stops by distance, the trains and buses that they serve, and their schedules updated in real time so you know if your ride is late or on time.
Streetside imagery is a fantastic way to see exactly where you are at and where you will be going in beautiful detail. Now, you can hover with your mouse over roads further away, allowing you to “run” quickly to that portion of the road. “We’ve also done work to ensure that labels now keep you informed at all times about the streets that you are navigating on. You also have greater control over how quickly you navigate the streets,” Microsoft adds.
Grab the app via the download link below and check it out! The app is currently only available in US, UK, and Canada. Microsoft did not specifically say which cities are featured as part of this new experience, except for New York City. Give it a try and let us know!
