Reports indicate that the Google Maps app is facing intermittent operation across Russia, with users reporting a specific failure when attempting to generate public transport routes. Bus stop icons appear on the map, but tapping them opens only the name, and no additional data or options are displayed. In many cases, buses and trams disappear from street visuals, making it impossible to view live transport timetables or to plan trips. Users also encounter error messages such as “Could not create a route for public transport” or “Route not found.” Walking routes and private vehicle directions continue to function in some areas, but the public transport feature is noticeably impaired. This pattern suggests a targeted disruption to transit routing features, while other navigation tools remain available. (Source: Hi-Tech Mail.Ru reports.)
The disruption has been observed in multiple Russian cities, including the capital. By contrast, neighboring countries like Belarus and Georgia report normal app performance. The root cause remains unclear: it could be a system malfunction, an unintended side effect of a backend change, or a new geo-restriction applied by Google. Users have noted that the problem appears to be widespread rather than isolated to a single locale, with some days showing partial restoration and others returning to the interrupted state. This situation raises questions about how map services manage transit data, route computation, and real-time updates when regional policies or network conditions shift. (Source: Hi-Tech Mail.Ru and local user reports compiled by Socialbites.ca.)
In the wake of the issue, observers have suggested checklists for users who rely on Google Maps for daily commuting. Suggestions include updating the app to the latest version, clearing cache, and confirming device time settings, as these steps can affect route calculations. Some experts also propose trying alternative mapping tools or temporarily relying on official transit timetables published by local operators until the transit routing feature stabilizes. The situation underscores how dependent many city dwellers are on digital navigation for timely travel, and it highlights the need for robust fallback options during outages. Authorities and Google have not issued a formal statement about a definitive fix timeline, leaving users to monitor status notices and community reports as the primary source of ongoing information. (Attribution: Hi-Tech Mail.Ru; ongoing coverage referenced by Socialbites.ca.)