Google Maps is expanding integration of five new ride hailing services across the world into its apps. The service is adding Ola Cabs in India, 99Taxis in Brazil, Hailo in the UK and Spain, mytaxi in Germany and Spain, and Gett in the UK.
Users will now see a new ride sharing tab at the top of the app, next to the current car, transit, walking, and biking direction options. This will allow users to compare fares of the various cab services and choose the best option without opening multiple apps. Google Maps already shows Uber rides in its app and hence this will offer users more options. The app will now show fare estimates and pick up times if a car is available near you, provided you have the provider’s app installed in your mobile device. After selecting a service it will take you directly to their app to book a ride with one tap.
Google Maps will also show ride service availability when viewing the map in walking and transit directions and multiple ride services options for each provider. Google says the feature will start rolling out to Android users over the next few days and will soon come to iOS.