Google Transit FAQs
now you can Plan your trip using google maps
Burlington Transit now shares their transit schedules with Google. What that means to you is, now you can plan your bus trips online!
Here are the answers to some questions you may wonder about:
- How can I plan my trip using Google Transit?
- Can I access Burlington Transit schedules directly from Google Maps?
- Can I plan my trip for another time or day?
- Google suggests several times. Which should I choose?
- Google sometimes suggests taking GO Transit or HSR. Is something wrong?
- How can I plan my trip if I don't know the address?
- How can I adjust my Start Point and Destination ?
How can I plan my trip using Google Transit?
You can begin planning your trip right here. Each page on this site has a link to the Google Transit trip planner. On the right side of the page, under the heading "GOOGLE TRANSIT MY RIDE", simply enter your "Start Point" and "Destination" into the search fields on the right, and press "GO!". Google will suggest the next few available trips. If you have ever used Google Maps before you should not have trouble planning a trip with Google Transit.
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Can I access Burlington Transit schedules directly from Google Maps?
Yes you can! Plan your trip as you would otherwise using Google Maps. Click "Get Directions". Then, from the drop-down box below your Start Pont and Destination change your mode of transportation from "By Car" to "By Public Transit". If you are within Burlington, or in another region that has data available you will be shown suggested routes.
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Can I plan my trip for another time or day?
If you wish to change the time of your trip you can do so by clicking "Show Options", which appears just under your destination on the Google Transit page. There you can choose a different time or date. Choosing "Depart at" plans your trip based on when you can leave. Choosing "Arrive by" plans your trip around when you need to arrive at your destination.
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Google suggests several times. Which should I choose?
When you perform a search, Google will present several "Suggested routes". Routes may vary in trip length, departure & arrival times, cost or the amount of walking involved. The first suggestion may not be the most suitable, so see what else it suggests by clicking on each. Icons appear to the right of each description showing what modes of transportation are involved. Clicking on each item will show detailed information about the suggested route, including the amount of walking, and the time required for transfers.
In the sample above the selected trip arrives later than the first, but it is a shorter trip because in involves less transfers.
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Google sometimes suggests taking GO Transit or HSR. Is something wrong?
GO Transit, and Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) are also partnered with Google to provide schedule information. Sometimes Google suggests a trip that uses their services as well, or even instead. Because GO Transit did not provide price information to Google, sometimes Google will suggest GO Transit first. Check the other options under the list of "Suggested routes". There may be a faster and less expensive trip that only uses Burlington Transit.
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How can I plan my trip if I don't know the address?
If you don't know the exact address you can search for points of interest in Burlington. You can also search for an intersection (e.g., "Guelph Line & New St."), or you can drag the Start Point ("A") and/or Destination ("B") around on the map.
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How can I adjust my Start Point and Destination?
You can adjust your Start Point ("A") or Destination ("B") by entering new address, intersection or point of interest into the search fields at the top-left, or by dragging the nodes around the map.
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