Apple is working on integrating public transit information into its Maps app, according to a job listing spotted by AppleInsider on Tuesday. The company is hiring software engineers for its Maps division’s Routing team, which it says is working on “one of the most anticipated features of Apple Maps.”
The job listing calls for applicants with experience in developing high quality, robust software systems using C++ and Linux, excellent problem solving and analytical skills, and asks that they have “in-depth knowledge about public transit, both as a consumer of those services and the technical aspects.”
Here’s the full position description from the listing:
Apple is hiring outstanding software engineers to deliver the next generation of Maps services. Seize this ground-floor opportunity to help us build the world’s best routing platform at massive scale.
As a member of the Routing team, you will work on one of the most anticipated features of Apple Maps. You will design and implement functionalities that will be used by millions of users worldwide. As a part of a small team, you will have an influence on the future product. You will be responsible for implementing new features and resolving complex issues. You will work on high performance server code using C++ in Linux environment. You will participate in design and code reviews and work with engineers and QA to deliver high quality routes to our customers.
That Apple is hiring team members to help it add transit info to Maps should come as good news for folks in larger cities with public transit systems. The lack of such information has been one of the largest caveats of Apple Maps since it replaced Google’s mapping software alongside iOS 6 back in 2012.
In 2013, Apple bought out transit app-makers HopStop and Embark, adding to its long list of mapping company acquisitions. It was reported in March of last year that a new transit feature with train, subway, and bus information would be added to Maps in the iOS 8 update, but this never materialized.
Source: Apple via AppleInsider