March 23, 2026, 6:56 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Google Maps is set to provide significantly more precise public transportation information in Germany. Instead of often displaying only scheduled departure times, the service aims to show real-time data directly in the app. Users will then be able to see if buses and trains are on time or delayed.
The information will be continuously updated to reflect actual operations. The goal is to make everyday planning more reliable and reduce surprises when using buses and trains.
Collaboration with DELFI as Data Foundation
The new features are based on a collaboration between Google and the Connect Fahrplanauskunft service. This service is part of the DELFI association, which focuses on digital passenger information. DELFI is a joint project of the federal and state governments. Its members include transport associations and companies in the mobility sector. The association collects data from different regions, verifies it, and provides it in a standardized form. Google gains access to this information and can integrate it into Maps.
According to the announcement, this creates clear responsibilities and a reliable basis for further data processing. For users, this means they can rely more on the displayed connections when planning. A central goal of DELFI is to standardize passenger information nationwide. To achieve this, timetable data from various sources is consolidated and provided in verified quality.
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This consolidation creates a central database that can also be used by external services. Google now accesses exactly this data. For passengers, this primarily means more clarity. They no longer need to install multiple apps from different transport associations to get current information. Instead, they can directly use Google Maps to find out about connections, delays, and possible alternatives.
First Deployments Already at Euro 2024
The collaboration between Google and DELFI was not announced for the first time, but has already been practically implemented. During the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship, DELFI provided nationwide data on stops, schedules, and current delays. Google used this information and integrated it into Maps. Additionally, the service supplemented the data with information about nearby places and activities. This created a combination of traffic and additional information that was already available directly in the app at that time.
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In parallel with the integration of real-time data, Google Maps is also advancing its artificial intelligence features. The AI chatbot Gemini is now part of the application. Users can be guided to a destination via voice, whether they are walking or biking. The combination of current traffic data and AI-supported features aims to make Google Maps a more comprehensive everyday companion.