The next update to Google Maps will include reports on accessibility issues at public transit stations to make planning your trip easier.

Originally reported by CNET, Google Maps has released a new update that focuses on reporting to users issues that may hinder accessibility, such as elevator or escalator malfunctions. So far, the update is available for iOS, Android, and desktop. However, as of this writing, it is only available in New York, Paris, Seattle, Boston, Budapest, and Brisbane.

Accessing the Accessibility Alert is relatively simple. However, you must first make sure that wheelchair accessibility routes are turned on as a preference. To do this, enter a destination in Google Maps and tap the three dots in the upper right corner. A new submenu will then appear, where you will need to press Options and scroll down to Wheelchair Accessible.

Once this is done, an alert will appear next to the route options. This will make it much easier to plan a trip, as the user will know the exact disability status at the destination and if the user needs to plan around it. Hopefully, this will make travel much less stressful for disabled people.

Google Maps recently saw some major changes with a new redesign that eliminated the full-screen menu and replaced it with a sheet-based layout. There are also changes to the navigation menu, with a reduction in the number buttons at the top of the screen. In addition to the visual changes, screen reader support has been added, allowing users to scan their surroundings using their phone's camera.

Google Maps is the most popular app for navigation available today and is used by millions of people to plan their trips. The introduction of new features aimed at making travel as easy as possible for most people is to be applauded. Hopefully, these features will soon be introduced in other countries. So, if you are planning a summer vacation trip, here are 9 tips and 9 hidden features of Google Maps.