April 22, 2008
Map of the Day: Google vs. the MTA on Earth Day
As a part of greening up the earth, Google Transit will tell you the quickest way to get from Point A to B using mass transit in the city.
We tried it out, starting out at 4 Times Square and ending at 770 Broadway; one might think taking the N/Q/R/W would be the quickest route -- but that person would be wrong. Apparently the best way to do this is by using your own two feet; Google says walk it! Not a bad idea, but perhaps this option is showing up because, despite Google having major office space in NYC, they haven't fully translated our transit system yet.
New Yorkers can map how they're helping out the earth today, however, right here. So far locals have been encouraging others to "use mugs instead of plastic cups," and one is organizing "a week long festival of Earth friendly activities at SUNY Potsdam."
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An instance of Google really not testing its transit directions. Type in 4 Times Square and 32 Broadway and Google sends you walking to catch the train to Secaucus so you can then come back to Hoboken and take the PATH. It's like a nasty prank on tourists.
Apparently, only a limited number of cities have been willing to supply Google with transit info. New York is not one of them.
See: http://www.google.com/transit
Many suggestions that involve crossing the Hudson River end up with a walk between Hoboken Terminal and Manhattan.
There is no way that taking the N or the Q during peak hours (assuming there are no "sick passengers") from Union Sq to 42nd St (2 stops!) will take longer than walking.
Putting in the subway is kinda pointless if you want to specify time, because it doesn't really follow the schedule (to the minute, as opposed to +/-10 minutes).
er...hopstop works.
The MTA released their own too.
Ironically, it works as well.
Considering the way the MTA operates, walking could be faster.
Google Transit works in Japan, and that's cause they don't suck. They're a little late to the party though, 'cause Yahoo's had that for years.
Mashups like this one are good for google, good for us and I'd like to continue to support them.
http://www.onnyturf.com/subway/
yah... I'll stick with the original mashups that actually work... I dont think going from tribeca to murray hill should require a trip to New Jersey... I like the first part walk to hoboken...
http://www.mypicr.com/google_transit.jpg