Google Maps show sked, routes of free shuttles

MANILA, Philippines — Medical workers and other frontliners may now access on Google Maps the routes and schedules of free shuttles plying Metro Manila and nearby provinces placed under modified enhanced community quarantine.

Available routes and schedules include the free shuttle services of the Department of Transportation, Office of the Vice President and the city government of Pasig.

“Our goal is to help our frontliners and medical workers our modern heroes with the best of our technology,” said Google Philippines country director Bernadette Nacario.

With the new update, frontliners and health workers can calculate their estimated travel time and easily find the best way and schedule to get to their destination.

An “add to calendar” feature also allows users to incorporate the shuttle schedule on the Google Calendar application, which may allow them to organize their day and ensure they will not miss their ride.

Another feature, called “schedule explorer,” also provides shuttle schedule information at one glance.

Earlier, Google also incorporated the locations of testing centers for the coronavirus disease 2019 on Google Maps.

Users can access a list of certified testing laboratories or hospitals in the country by typing “covid testing” on Google Search or Maps.

Considering that certain hospitals may not be able to accommodate walk-in patients, those interested to undergo testing were advised to first refer to the screening tool on the Department of Health website and to call the hotlines before going to the facility.