Good news, New York City-based commuters: Google Maps added Wednesday real-time subway departure times for the seven lines that have such data available. These include the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and Times Square - Grand Central shuttle. The Metropolitan Transit Authority's other lines require an expensive overhaul before they'll be able to provide real-time data.

Metrorail riders in Washington, D.C., will also now receive up-to-the-second service alerts via Google Maps. That'll be handy for capitol denizens, who will be able to use the app to find routes that avoid any unplanned delays or schedule changes.

Public transit-goers in Salt Lake City, Utah, can also now receive bus and tram information in real time.

"With these updates — part of the millions of live transit schedule updates we process every day — you get instant access to the latest information right on Google Maps, making trip planning a cinch," reads a Google blog post on the update.

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All Google Maps users on desktop, Android and iOS platforms can access the new transit information immediately. The MTA also recently released an official app which provides the same real-time New York City subway information as Google Maps now shows. Just remember, New Yorkers: Most stations don't have Wi-Fi or data access, so check your route before you head out!

Do you use Google Maps to plan your urban commutes? What are you other favorite public transit apps? Share in the comments below.

Image via iStockphoto, ymgerman