Google is changing the way its Mapping platform works, and ride-sharing will be a big part of that change going forward. This is an important move by Google seeing as ride-sharing has become quite popular in the United States and other parts of the world.

We al know that Google Maps is great for seeking directions when we want to get around. Whether it be by foot, public transformation or our own vehicle, Google Maps is probably the best option available right now. With this new update, the company wants you to feel the same way when thinking about ride-sharing.

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Due to Google's partnership with Uber, users can see estimates for pricing and length of ride right from Maps. To make the feature easy to find, it has gotten its own tab alongside driving, walking, and bicycling.

In addition, Google has partnered with 5 companies across 5 different countries. These include 9Taxis in Brazil, Ola Cabs in India, Hailo in the UK and Spain, mytaxi in Germany and Spain, and Gett in the UK.

"If you have a provider's app installed and tap on the ride service tab, you'll be able to see fare estimates and pick up times if a car is available near you. Select a service, and we'll take you directly to their app for you to book your ride with one tap," says Google on the Maps blog.

With the search giant working on its own fleet of driverless cars, we wouldn't be surprised if this new ride-sharing feature is more than just a tool to support the ride-sharing related companies out there. We believe Google may one day get in on the fun as well with its driverless cars, and as we already know, those cars rely a lot on Google mapping technology to get around.

As tis new feature takes off, we expect to see support for more companies in the coming months. Furthermore, competing mapping platforms such as Bing and others will no doubt jump in sooner rather than later before Google can monopolize the whole thing for itself.

Head over to Google Maps page right now to see if the feature is available for you.