Google Maps adds a taxi tab as it branches out from just Uber

Google first introduced price estimates for Uber rides way back in 2014, and while it’s a useful option if you’re running late to a meeting, the lack of other services can be limiting

That’s partly changing today, as the company is adding estimates for several more services: 99Taxis in Brazil, Ola Cabs in India, Hailo in the UK and Spain, Mytaxi in Germany and Spain and Gett in the UK.

You’ll need to be in one of the above locations and have the provider’s app installed in order to see the estimate.

These options will live under a new ride services tab, whereas previously they were found under the public transport section. That said, you’ll still be able to compare time estimates when viewing public transport options to assess which method makes the most sense for you.

For those who still prefer Uber, Google will now provide different price options for UberX, UberXL and UberBLACK.

There are still some notable omissions – Lyft comes to mind – and Uber’s global availability on the app gives it a distinct advantage over other services.

Still, it’s good to see Google branching out a bit to provide customers with some choice, and the addition of a ride-share tab – putting such services front and center, rather than buried under public transport – suggests the feature will grow rapidly from here.

The new services are rolling out to Android over the next few days, and they’ll arrive on iOS “very soon.”

➤ Your car has arrived: More ways to get around with Google Maps [Google Maps Blog]