Google Maps Integrates Parking, Transit Payments

Google Maps is integrating with Google Pay to give users the ability to cover parking, highway tolls, public transportation and more, according to a Google blog post on Wednesday (Feb. 17).

The company is collaborating with the mobile payment services Passport and ParkMobile to facilitate parking meter and parking lot payments within Google Maps. The integration will give people the ability to pay for street parking and public transportation from within the Google Maps ecosystem without touching a meter or other payment device. 

“We’re expanding the ability to pay for transit fares from Maps for over 80 transit agencies around the world. Now you’ll be able to plan your trip, buy your fare and start riding without needing to toggle between multiple apps,” said Vishal Dutta, product manager, Google Maps.

Google Pay for parking has launched for Android operating systems in more than 400 U.S. cities, with iOS in the works. 

“When you get transit directions, you’ll see the option to pay with your phone with the credit or debit cards already linked to your Google Pay account,” said Fausto Araujo, product manager, Google Pay. “Once you’ve purchased your fare, all you need to do is tap your phone on the reader or show your digital ticket to breeze on board.”

This update is the latest Google Maps feature extended to assist transit riders. In 2019, it integrated transit crowdedness predictions that gave customers insight into how crowded a bus or train might be. It also added a feature to connect transit directions with biking and ridesharing options.

In July, public transportation was still largely grappling with how best to institute contactless payments amid the global pandemic that saw ridership in New York and London drop by over 90 percent. In September, Google introduced parking payments with Passport. The collaborative effort was first offered in Austin, Texas through Google Maps.