Google Maps has integrated rail booking platform Trainline into its app, allowing users to click through from journey searches to buy tickets.
The new service is available to Android customers using the Google Maps app in the UK, with users tapping through to buy tickets for the journey either through the Trainline website or app.
The independent firm is the first rail booking platform to be integrated into Google Maps in the UK. It recently added Google Pay to its payment options, allowing customers to pay for and store tickets on their devices.
Note that Trainline charges a small booking fee on some transactions, with the company stating that “These fees go towards improving our products and services, so you can keep enjoying hassle-free travel by rail and coach”.
Commenting on the news Milena Nikolic, Trainline’s chief technology officer said that “Working together in this way means we can encourage more travellers to choose rail over other less sustainable forms of transport”, while Alan Stapelberg, global product manager, Google Pay, commented:
“Bringing together Google Maps, Google Pay and Trainline gives users a seamless way to search for, buy and save train tickets using their Android phone.
“This will save users time and effort, while allowing them to easily store a ticket on their phone. We are excited to bring this experience to Europe for the first time with Trainline in the UK.”