Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) has launched on Google Transit, a move the organization hopes will make it easier for riders to find routes, bus schedules and fare costs.

Riders using the Google Maps app on their phones - or by visiting google.com/maps - can enter their starting point and destination using the "Directions" feature. (Note: The transit feature is not available in Apple or other map applications, only Google Maps). By clicking on the "Transit" train icon, the nearest BATA transportation option will be displayed. Google Transit features color-coded route options, timing until the next scheduled bus arrives, total travel time, and fare cost. Riders can also use the service through BATA's website at bata.net under the BATA Trip Planner.

"Having BATA route information on Google Maps and through our online Trip Planner tool is a technology that our riders have been requesting and we're so excited to make this feature available to our customers," says BATA Executive Director Kelly Dunham. "This is the first of many rider-friendly technologies we hope to launch in the next couple of years."