With its intuitive interface and comprehensive database, Google Maps has become an indispensable tool for individuals, organizations, and travelers worldwide.

Thanks to the seamless integration across different devices, one can easily access their saved locations, routes, and preferences no matter where they go.

However, like any other popular tool, Google Maps also has its fair share of bugs.

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For example, we recently discussed the issues where saved places appeared as small dots instead of pins on iOS and Google Maps ‘Are you here’ feature had disappeared or was not working. Now, a new one has emerged.

Google Maps showing misleading times on alternate routes

Some Google Maps users (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10) are now experiencing an issue where they are being shown misleading times on alternate routes.

And this, without a doubt, may cause confusion and discomfort during their journeys.

People have reported occasions when estimates are highly inaccurate, such as providing a route that takes 14 minutes to reach the location as opposed to one that takes only 2 minutes.

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Source (Click / tap to view)

In addition, users have also shared instances where the suggested alternate routes claimed to be 20 to 30 minutes faster even when they were just 10 minutes away from their final destination.

Additionally, some speculate that the estimations are somehow correlated to the time they started their journey. They allege that the closer they get to their destination, the more inaccurate the estimate becomes.

Over the last few weeks I have notice that the map is showing me alternative routes to my destination that are claiming that claim to be between 20 and 30 minutes quicker when I’m only ten mins away from my final destination.
Source

I can add that the estimates seems to be correlated to the time since I started. So the closer I get to my destination, the more off will the estimate be.
Source

It’s noteworthy that the issue has been ongoing for several days and remains unresolved until now.

But luckily, you can try troubleshooting steps like clearing the app cache and resetting the app preferences for a potential fix.

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Source

No official response

Unfortunately, Google has not officially responded to the matter. But we are hopeful that it will address this concern soon.

Having said that, we will keep tabs on the issue with Google Maps showing misleading times on alternate routes and let you know if there is an update.

Note: There are more such stories in our dedicated Google Maps section, so be sure to follow them as well.

Featured image source: Google Maps

PiunikaWeb started as purely an investigative tech journalism website with main focus on ‘breaking’ or ‘exclusive’ news. In no time, our stories got picked up by the likes of Forbes, Foxnews, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Engadget, The Verge, Macrumors, and many others. Want to know more about us? Head here.

Kanav Sood
740 Posts

I love technology and like to talk about the latest news in the Tech industry.

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