Google offers tool to help Boston's T riders

By Jazmine Ulloa, Globe Staff

Google has built a big reputation on helping people navigate the virtual world of the Internet. Now it says it's going to help people get around the real world of Boston on MBTA trains, buses, and boats.

Through a partnership with Google Transit, T customers will now be able to calculate their route, transit time, and walking directions when using public transportation by logging on to Google Maps.

"This really makes a lot of information more accessible," Google Boston engineering director Steve Vinter said today at a news conference held at South Station to announce the technological advancement. "There are a lot of people like me who take the T work but do not know much about the transit system outside of that."

MBTA and local officials lauded MBTA General Manager Daniel A. Grabauskas's leadership on the project. Grabauskas, who in recent days has found his ability as general manager questioned by Governor Deval Patrick, answered questions from a cluster of reporters after the conference. But Grabauskas kept the politic comments short, saying the recent controversy should not distract from the day's announcement.