Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For more information not found on this page and to learn how to report an error on Google Maps refer to the Links & Resources section.

1. Why are the routes Google suggests different than the ones I normally take?
2. Why does Google make me walk to a stop that is further away from my starting point?
3. Why can't I find the destination (ie POI) on the map?
4. Why can't I get rural or community transit information on Google Transit?
5. Can I find the scheduled data on Google Transit?
6. Does Google transit indicate which buses have Accessible Low-Floor (ALF)?
   
7. My business or a local business isn't on Google Maps, how can I add it?
8. What are EC and ECS routes within Google Transit?

1. Why are the routes Google suggests different than the ones I normally take?

   Google Transit is designed to get you from A to B as quickly as possible. To do this the application may suggest you walk to a different stop to catch a more direct route that will get you to your destinations quicker.

2. Why does Google make me walk to a stop that is further away from my starting point?
   

   Building upon question one above - Google may suggest that you walk to a different stop nearby that offers a more direct route because that route will get you to your destination quicker and in the least amount of transfers. However, Google may not always be right and in bad weather you may opt to take a longer route for comfort sake.

3. Why can't I find a particular point of interest (POI) on the map?

   Google Maps gathers data from a number of sources. HRM has submitted several municipal assets and will continue to do so to help improve the service. Business owners are welcome to submit their locations to Google Maps via Google's Local Business Center as well. If you cannot find a particular POI try entering the civic address instead.
   
   HRM has added major Metro Transit terminals as points of interest, however you may need to type "Metro Transit" before or "Halifax' after the terminal name in order for Google to reconigze them as terminals.
   
   For Example:
   Try "Metro Transit Lacewood Terminal" or "Lacewood Terminal, Halifax" instead of just "Lacewood Terminal"

4. Why can't I get community transit information on Google Transit?

   Unfortunately because these routes do not stop at fixed bus stops we are unable to include them in Google Transit. Please refer to our schedules page for information.

5. Can I find the scheduled data on Google Transit?

   Yes. Google Transit allows you to look-up scheduled departure times for routes servicing a specific stop. Get instructions or view a screen shot.

6. Does Google Transit indicate which buses have Accessible Low-Floor (ALF) systems?

   No. Unfortunately at this time Google Transit does not indicate which routes offer ALF systems.  However, you can see which routes have ALF systems by visiting the schedules page.

7. A local business (or my business) is not on Google Maps, how can I add it?

   Google's Local Business Center explains how you can do this and more for free.

8. What are EC and ECS routes within Google Transit?

   You may notice the appearance of EC (Employee Coach) and ECS (Employee Coach Special) routes within Google Transit if you are planning a trip early in the morning or late in the evening.
   
   Please do not use these routes as part of your trip plan. They are on-demand routes used to pick up bus drivers and do not pick up public passengers.
   
   Metro Transit is working to resolve some technical issues to remove these routes from Google Transit.