Google Maps shows how crowded your bus will probably be

Google on Thursday announced a new feature that will help you avoid crowded buses — at least if you have a choice of when to commute.

Google Maps for Android and iOS is receiving an update that gives you information on how crowded a bus typically is at the time of day when you’re planning to ride it. For instance, it might say that there’s “usually standing room only” if the bus is crowded. .

The feature reminds me a bit of another, where Google can tell you if the establishment you’re about to visit, like a restaurant, is typically crowded at that time of day and if you can expect to wait.

The update also includes new information on delays, like if the bus is a few minutes behind in traffic. Now you’ll know that it’s still coming.

Google already had information on arrivals for subways, trains and buses in cities that provide it with public information, but now it’s offering this in other cities with traffic data it gathers on its own. The…