TRAVELLERS have been struck by a mysterious Google Maps bug that’s making it impossible for them to get around via a common journey type.
The popular app has more than a billion users worldwide – but some have been hit by a baffling device crash.
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And strangely it only seems to affect those looking for public transport.
A number of commuters and people on trips over the summer holidays have complained about the issue.
The bug appears to only affect some Android smartphones.
Most reports have come from various Google Pixel owners, but Samsung, POCO and Redmagic users have come forward too.
Read more about Google Maps
The Sun tested Google Maps’ transit routes on a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and had no issues, suggesting the glitch isn’t widespread.
“So today my Google Maps app on android suddenly decided to bug out in a really weird and specific way,” one user wrote on Reddit.
“Whenever I try to search for transit directions for a place, it just crashes, every time.
“I’ve tried uninstalling, reinstalling, logging in and out, and it still doesn’t work.
“The weird thing is, whenever I’m searching for walking, biking or driving directions, it works just fine! It’s just transit directions that causes it to crash.”
Other travellers have come forward reporting the same problem.
“I’m visiting NYC and relied on this crappy app to get around,” another person responded.
“Thank God I’m not the only person it’s happening two what in the flip is going on,” a third commenter said.
Others have informed Google that there’s a snag in the app via their forum.
But the company hasn’t responded to users as yet.
MAPS WORKAROUND
If you have been impacted by the Google Maps public transport route issue, there are some workarounds people have discovered.
It turns out, using the incognito mode in Google Maps avoids any crashing.
For those who don’t know where to find it, simply tap your display image in the top right hand corner and you’ll see Turn on incognito mode.
Another temporary solution is to use alternative apps like Citymapper instead.
TIME TO SWITCH?
By Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
Google Maps is a handy tool but when it comes to commuting I actually prefer Citymapper.
It’s made by a former Google employee and totally free.
I find it faster, easier and more accurate than Google Maps.
However, it only works in some cities across the globe so be sure to check it’s available close to you.
