As a frequent bus rider, I don’t know how I ever lived without the transit directions in Google Maps.

I’ve discovered an even easier way to access bus schedules from my Android phone. I simply created shortcuts to transit directions for my favorite destinations (like work, home). This means that if I’m running late at work and miss my usual bus, I can just click the shortcut to see the next 3 buses. It doesn’t matter where I am, clicking the shortcut gets me home!

How to create a shortcut to transit directions:

1. Go to your Apps (on my phone, I click the round icon on the bottom middle of my home screen)
   
2. Along the top, click Widgets
   
3. Flip through your widgets until you find the one called Directions & Navigation. Press and hold to drop it onto your home screen.
   
4. Add your home or work address (or anywhere else you like to go a lot). Don’t forget to choose transit (click on the bus image).
   
5. Remember to put a screen lock on your phone. It’s good for many reasons, but especially important if someone could steal your bag with keys and easy directions to your home