Google has restored the numbered MTR exit symbols on its Google Maps application in Hong Kong, after they disappeared for much of September.
Photo: Googlemaps/remix.
Commuters had been complaining for weeks on social media about their absence.
I think I speak for many HK peeps if I say: @googlemaps, bring back the MTR exits! https://t.co/EMzT2LuGxU#HKproblems #HongKong #HK
— Jeffrey Broer (@jebbery) September 27, 2017
When asked as to why the issue kept reoccurring, a spokesperson for Google told HKFP: “The issue has been fixed. Hongkongers can now see MTR exits again on Google Maps.”
Google maps removed the MTR exits in HK. Which means every unknown journey is taking me 3 mins extra.
— Charis Rooda 🎄 (@charis) September 7, 2017
The “bug” has occurred multiple times over the past two years.
@googlemaps is there a reason why MTR exits have been removed on maps for our entire country?None in sight 🤷🏻♀️ #hongkong #mtr @mtrupdate
— Janette Slack (@janetteslack) September 13, 2017
The lack of an explanation caused similar annoyance among users: “Are we going to hear any more about this? Have they become state secrets?” asked one user on a Google support forum.
“Is it a bug? or you intentionally remove them? I don’t understand why it has to repeatedly occur. It’s a perfectly fine data, what is the problem?” asked another.