We've reported on Google Transit in the past, but now it is official. Transit works like Google Maps, but instead of driving directions, it lets you know how you can get where you're going without a car. Type in your start and end points plus date and time and it gives you where to walk, what bus to take and when.

It's even integrated into Google Maps, meaning if you search for directions using Maps, just click "Take Public Transit" and it will switch to Transit mode, showing you the next 3 upcoming bus departures. I typed in my daily busing commute and it found the same exact route.

Currently it works for various areas in 9 states and even in China and Japan. Wish I had this when I was in China! This is great for current bus riders and getting new people to take the bus. Although my hometown of Seattle already has something like this, this will only help spread the word that transit can be just as easy (and a heck of a lot cheaper) than driving.

Google Transit

Via TechCrunch