Nobody likes unexpected travel expenses and almost everyone likes to save money. Google is trying to cover both fronts by rolling out a new Google Maps feature that helps combat the anxiety of unexpectedly traveling on expensive toll roads.
As part of the latest navigation platform software update, which aims to give users more useful information before and during the trip, Google Maps on iOS and Android will now include toll rates for around 2000 toll roads in the United States, India, Japan and Indonesia. . , and more countries are expected to receive the feature soon.
According to a recent Google blog post (opens in a new tab), you'll be able to see the estimated toll price to your destination before you start navigating (courtesy of 'Local Toll Authority Trusted Information'), with Maps taking the date and time into account when calculating a number.
Google will also show the possible discounts available by having a relevant toll pass, as well as the price variations between the different payment methods.
Of course, you'll always have the option to avoid routes that cross toll roads entirely - just tap the 'Avoid tolls' slider in the app's settings - but it's nice to know that unexpected money hurdles can be a thing of the past for a long time. excursions. Add to that the app's latest money-saving trick on gas, and Google Maps in 2022 has become a surprisingly useful cost-cutting tool.
A digital facelift
Elsewhere in the latest update to Google Maps, Google has added a number of new details to the digital map, including icons for upcoming traffic lights, stop signs, and notable buildings, which should help you feel more comfortable navigating unfamiliar places.
iPhone users of Google Maps, in particular, can now also take advantage of widgets that provide quick access to the most important details of an upcoming trip, while Apple Watch users can enjoy the "Bring back" feature. phone at all.
Those using Google Maps on Apple hardware will soon be able to ask Siri (using your voice, obviously) for Google-provided directions, while the app is also set to integrate with the Spotlight and Shortcuts apps.
For more Google Maps-related content, check out our guides on how to download Google Maps for offline use and the five things you didn't know Google Maps could do.