NYC Subway Directions/Times on iPhone Maps

After the latest firmware update, I had yet to try “Transportation Directions” (as opposed to Driving or Walking directions) on my iPhone, until last night.

All I did was ask for a route from my current location to the bar and clicked on the subway icon (in the middle at the top) for subway directions. What I noticed was “Departs in 4 Minutes”. I quickened my pace and got to the platform in time for the train to show up on time.

Surprised at the accuracy of Map’s timing, I looked ahead at the upcoming transfer it suggested and clicked on the clock icon of the next train. It gave me this screen:

So, if I missed the first train in my transfer, I knew there’d be another on the way shortly thereafter. This was also accurate. The fact that timetables even exist for the subway is noteworthy, but that trains actually stuck to the schedule was lifechanging for me.

During rush hours, or when I’m sitting at the station regardless, I don’t forsee checking out subway times this way, but when deciding what time to leave my apartment on weekends, I can’t imagine a better available resource than the same old Maps I’ve always used.