Google Maps rolls out Motorcycle mode in Indonesia

Google Maps introduces two-wheeler feature in the Indonesia markets - Google

Google has rolled out the Two-wheeler feature in the Indonesian market to help two-wheeled traffic move more efficiently. 

In a post on its Indonesian Blog, the company noted that the number of motorcycles on Indonesia streets outnumbered cars seven to one, with most households finding travel via motorcycle more convenient. 

"Motorcycles have specific needs. Motorists can take routes that can not be passed by cars such as narrow streets and alleys. There are also certain roads that motorcycles can not pass, such as toll roads," said Google.

It added that as motorcycles often drive at different speeds than cars, Google Maps previously estimated their travel time by combining walking and car routes.

Google said the Two-wheeler feature would use machine learning based on motorcycle speeds to estimate more accurate travel times, include special routes like shortcuts through narrow roads, and eventually open API support for freight forwarding services.

It said this was part of a series of upgrades to its functions in the region which included collaborating with ride-sharing services to make it easier to find ojeks or taxis, adding real-time data from the Kereta Rel Listrik Commuter Line (the Indonesian equivalent of Malaysia's KTM rail service), and destination alerts so commuters don't miss their stops.

It added that these efforts contributed to Google Maps two-fold increase in users over the past year. 

On Dec 5, 2017, Google product management vice-president Caesar Sengupta launched the Two-wheeler feature in India and said more countries would follow in the coming months.

Maybe Malaysia could be next?