Hack of the day: How to find step-free routes on Google Maps

'The Times of India' brings you 'Hack of the Day' — a new weekday-series of quick, practical solutions to everyday hassles. Each hack is designed to save you time, money or stress, using tools and features within your reach — from government websites to everyday apps. In simple words it is: Simple fixes for smarter living.'Google Maps offers a suite of useful features that can make travel easier for millions of people. However, there is one overlooked feature that can add to the convenience. The tool allows users to find wheelchair-accessible public transport routes, helping them avoid stations, platforms and connections that may involve difficult staircases. While Google introduced the feature in 2018 primarily for people who use wheelchairs, it can also be useful for senior citizens, parents travelling with strollers, people recovering from injuries and even travellers carrying heavy luggage.Information about elevators, ramps and accessible stations is not always easy to locate. In many cities, finding step-free public transport routes can be challenging. Google's accessibility feature aims to solve that problem by highlighting routes that take mobility needs into account. “Google Maps was built to help people navigate and explore the world, providing directions, worldwide, to people traveling by car, bicycle or on foot. But in city centers, buses and trains are often the best way to get around, which presents a challenge for people who use wheelchairs or with other mobility needs. Information about which stations and routes are wheelchair friendly isn’t always readily available or easy to find,” the company said announcing the feature back then.When enabled, Google Maps will show public transport routes that are designed to be more accessible. These routes may include stations with elevators, ramps or step-free access points, depending on the city and transport network.Instead of simply showing the fastest route, Google Maps considers accessibility information provided by transit agencies and local contributors to suggest routes that are easier to navigate.Although the feature was originally designed for wheelchair users, it can be useful in many everyday situations. For example, travellers carrying large suitcases can avoid dragging luggage up multiple flights of stairs. Parents with strollers may find routes with elevators more convenient. Elderly family members may also benefit from avoiding long stair climbs in busy transit stations.“We built this feature to make life easier for people who use wheelchairs, but accessible routes are also helpful if you’re on crutches or pushing a stroller. With the help of transit agencies around the globe and people like you who contribute local knowledge, we’re making progress toward a more accessible world for everyone,” Google says.If you regularly travel with elderly parents, children, luggage or have mobility concerns, here's how to use Google Map’s accessibility feature:Step 1: Open Google MapsLaunch the Google Maps app on your Android smartphone or iPhone.Step 2: Search for your destinationEnter the location you want to visit in the search bar and select the correct destination from the results.Step 3: Tap DirectionsOnce the destination page opens, tap the "Directions" button to start planning your journey.Step 4: Select Public TransportAt the bottom of the screen, choose the public transport icon instead of driving, walking or cycling directions.Step 5: Open Route OptionsLook for the "Options" or route settings menu. Tap it to see additional route preferences.Step 6: Choose Wheelchair AccessibleUnder the route options section, select "Wheelchair accessible."After enabling the option, Google Maps will show available public transport routes that take accessibility needs into consideration.Step 7: Pick Your RouteReview the suggested routes and choose the one that best suits your travel needs.