Create a one-tap navigation shortcut for your commute
Checking your commute for train times, bus arrivals, traffic, or existential dangers is something many of us do daily.
This can be awkward and time consuming. For instance, I used to follow this process to find out if it was worth waiting for the bus or not: locate the maps app, open it, select public transit, zoom in on my bus stop, click the little bus stop icon, look for the bus times.
If you have a similar routine, you can save precious seconds and mental effort by creating a one-tap navigation shortcut.
All it does is open the maps app (or app of your choice) with directions for your commute. The same shortcut will work for traffic, trains, and other important travel info too.
How to setup a directions shortcut on iOS
Setting up a shortcut on iOS isn't as complicated as the 11 steps below make it seem. You can also do the same steps with the map app of your choice.
- Open up the
Shortcutsapp - Navigate to
All Shortcuts - Click the
+icon to add a new shortcut - Click
Add Action - Type
mapsin the search box - Select
Open Directions - Select the appropriate choices for your commute. e.g. Open
Public Transportdirections frommy hometomy work. - Tap the name of the shortcut, e.g.
New Shortcut 1. This opens a menu with options likeRenameandChoose IconandAdd to Home Screen - Give your shortcut an appropriate name, e.g.
commute - Give your shortcut an appropriate icon, e.g.
a busora horse. - Tap
Add to Home Screen
How to setup a directions shortcut on Android
I don't have an android phone so I borrowed one. This process was a little simpler than iOS, but less customizable.
- Navigate to
Widgets - Locate and select the
Mapsapp widget - Select
Directions - Select
Add - Select your transit type.
- Enter your destination.
- Name your shortcut something appropriate. e.g.
commute - Tap
saveto add it to your home screen.