Google Maps has just included ride-hailing services Lyft and Gett, alongside Uber which it previously added in 2014. The app will feature fare estimates and pick-up times that is expected to lower fare prices as well. However, Uber is rumored to have its own mapping service in the works as Google is also rumored to set-up its own hailing service as well.
Google recently announced that it was adding Lyft and Gett in the U.S. to its mapping service, Fortune reported. 'Google Maps' previously made Gett available for U.K. users. Currently, Gett ride is only available in New York.
A button will appear on 'Google Maps' for ordering a ride from Uber, Lyft, or Gett. The move was made to give more options to users beyond Uber and other transportation options such as public transit, walking, and driving.
Users can now compare prices and locate the nearest ride-hailing service available on the 'Google Maps' app when searching for an address. From there, a ride-hailing service can be selected as the app will redirect users to the specific mobile app so that users can immediately request for a ride.
In Google's case, the giant tech company had formed a partnership with the software company similar to what Facebook had done previously. Hence, the rules for independent outside developers do not apply, an Uber spokeswoman had said.
Lyft had offered a similar explanation, but declined to give a comment on whether the transportation network company has a financial arrangement with Google. A similar app called 'Citymapper' also offers fare and pick-up time estimates for Lyft and Uber just like Google, presumably forming a partnership with them as well.
'Google Maps' may however, let go of Uber in the future as the software company is reportedly doling out a $500 million investment to develop its own map system so that it would no longer need to rely on Google, Science World Report said. For now, the updates for Gett and Lyft are available iniOS and Android versions of 'Google Maps'. The new additions are expected to make commuting easier and may even lead to overall lower prices.
Take a tour of the new Google Maps
