In NYC, Google Maps is king, at least on Android phones/tablets (I don't have any experience with iOS devices to compare with). It will provide door-to-door directions, including the trip time, and will base its directions on the current time and timetables.
In Tokyo, it will also specify the total cost for the journey, which is very handy when walking for 5 more minutes can save you a few hundred yen.
I can't comment on how good the directions are, but it definitely doesn't say "directions not available". From the map route, I'd say it looks pretty reasonable and is what I would use if I had to travel from Redwood City to Lake Merrit.
Interesting that the maps.google.com web site gives a different answer than the Google Maps application.
I just confirmed that I get the correct answer via the website in mobile safari, but "Directions Not available" through the application.
I guess the good news, is that (at least for people in the bay area trying to use Caltrain/Bart) - the change in the Mapping Application doesn't appear to be a regression - you already have to go to the website.
More informed minds than mine can puzzle out why the website is giving back better transit directions than iOS App.
> More informed minds than mine can puzzle out why the website is giving back better transit directions than iOS App.
Probably because the Maps app on iOS 5 and below was made by Apple, not Google. There are no such issues with the Google Maps app on Android (made by Google) - it gives the same results as the website. In fact, it prominently displays several route options, along with their times and costs, just as in Tokyo. This is a little more obscure on the Google Maps website, although the information is still present.
In Tokyo, it will also specify the total cost for the journey, which is very handy when walking for 5 more minutes can save you a few hundred yen.
I just tried getting public transit directions from Redwood City to Lake Merrit, and this is what I came up with: https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Redwood+City,+CA&dadd...
I can't comment on how good the directions are, but it definitely doesn't say "directions not available". From the map route, I'd say it looks pretty reasonable and is what I would use if I had to travel from Redwood City to Lake Merrit.