Google Transit and Amtrak are finally in love

"We are pleased to welcome Amtrak to Google Transit," said Jessica Wei, Strategic Partner Development Manager at Google. "This partnership shows Amtrak's commitment to innovating, serving their passengers, and attracting new riders. We're looking forward to continuing to work with Amtrak to add more routes to Google Maps." (http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Copy/News_Release_Page&c=am2Copy&cid=1189639706207&ssid=180)

Plans call for all Amtrak routes across the country to eventually be available through Google Transit. The first five routes now available include:

• Empire Service (New York - Albany - Buffalo - Niagara Falls)
• Ethan Allen Express (New York - Albany - Rutland)
• Hiawatha Service (Chicago - Milwaukee)
• Pacific Surfliner (San Diego - Los Angeles - Santa Barbara - San Luis Obispo)
• San Joaquin (Oakland - Sacramento - Fresno - Bakersfield)

This is a great step for not only Amtrak and rail fans, but for people who appreciate public transit, but typically will not go to great lengths to utilize it. With Google Transit incorporating the most mass transit systems, most commuter rail lines and now Amtrak, it is plausible to use just one website to go from your front door to an address across the country without ever having to spend money on a flight or a taxi.

For anyone unfamiliar with this wonderful and easy to use tool, here is a video of how Google Transit works in New York: