Google expands live traffic coverage

SAN FRANCISICO: Internet giant Google has announced that it is expanding its traffic information coverage to countries in Latin America including Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica.

In addition, Google is bringing the service to 130 smaller cities in the US.

Drivers in Bogota;, San Jose; and Panama City as well as US cities including Portland (Maine), Kalamazoo and Tuscaloosa will have real-time traffic conditions and estimated travel times.

Traffic conditions can be checked on an Android device or through the Google browser.

On Google's official blog, developers on Tuesday reminded users that they "can help fellow drivers and improve traffic data by using Google Navigation or Google Maps for Mobile while travelling."

Most of the information provided by the Live Traffic service comes from Google Maps and Google Navigation users sharing location data with the company.

In addition, Google says it has improved in parts of Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Russia, Spain, Sweden and Britain has been improved.

The live traffic feature in Google Maps was launched back in 2007 to bring the latest information in traffic congestion by providing reports based on predictions of typical traffic conditions at any given day and time.

The service started with 30 major cities in the US, including New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Dallas, and has since extended to other parts of the world.

Earlier this year, Google launched the service in New Zealand, Mexico, Peru and Romania, among others. - Relaxnews