Google Maps could be about to get much better - here s how Tom's Guide Skip to main content Tom's Guide is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's why you can trust us. Google Maps could be about to get much better - here s how By Tom Pritchard published 5 May 2022 Google Maps is testing an option to give you more choice over your transportation options. (Image credit: Shutterstock) Google Maps could be getting a design refresh that makes it easier to choose your preferred form of transport. That's based on screenshots of the latest beta (v11.28) sent to 9to5Google (opens in new tab), which show the new transport options together with a new version of the Maps UI, which was previously tested last year (opens in new tab). Read next: Apple Maps could get a feature that Google Maps currently lacks The new design includes a floating panel above the map itself, plus changes to the transport tab at the bottom end of the map interface. It seems the tab will now more easily let you remove certain transportation methods, with your choices then affecting what Maps subsequently shows you. For instance, if you don't own a car you could leave that option unselected and the transport tab would skip driving options entirely. (Image credit: 9to5Google) It's already possible to change your preferred transport method in Google Maps, but the process is a little convoluted. It involves heading to Settings > Google Assistant > Account > Preferences > Transport. Not only does this involve too many steps, but it also only applies to requests from Google Assistant - which only makes it half useful. This update should make it possible to configure your preferences in the Google Maps app itself, saving you time and hassle, but also (theoretically at least) applying the settings to all Google Maps navigation. Unfortunately, the new feature isn't available to everyone, even those with the latest version of the Google Maps beta. But if you're one of the lucky ones who does have access you can find it in the Trip Options menu; the same place you go to tell Maps whether you want to avoid tolls, highways and ferries. In addition to the selection process being new, there are also increased transportation options within the tab: driving, walking, rail, bus, cycling, ride-hailing services, and bike/scooter share services are all pictured in the screenshot. Given that this change hasn't shown up for all Google Maps beta testers, myself included, it's not clear whether the new UI and transportation options will be getting a wider rollout soon, or indeed at any time. I'm hoping that it does, if only to help users clean up and better personalize their Google Maps experience. But in the meantime, you can level up your Google Maps game by checking out our Google Maps tips and tricks article. Read next: Google Maps is going to start letting you "vibe check" new neighborhoods - yes, that is the official nameToday's best Google Pixel 6 dealsPlansUnlockedGet $50 off this p... 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Tom PritchardAutomotive EditorTom is the Tom's Guide's Automotive Editor, which means he can usually be found knee deep in stats the latest and best electric cars, or checking out some sort of driving gadget. It's long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the table. He's usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining that Ikea won't let him buy the stuff he really needs online. 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