• by Laurie Sullivan  @lauriesullivan, January 13, 2017

Google added more types of ride options and the ability to access "actionable" information from ride services. Rather than a long list of ride services providers and options, users will see the map along with a carousel of local ride service providers.

Tapping on the preferred provides brings up a list of ride options, offers and promotions.

Google introduced the service to Maps last year, making it more convenient for people to call for a ride. Since then the company added several ride service partners in the U.S. such as Uber, Pool and Lyft, and elsewhere in the world such as Go-JEK rides in Indonesia and Grab in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

Google said it's also trying a new integration with Uber that lets riders book, complete and pay for a ride without leaving Google Maps without installing an Uber app on the device.

Once signed into the Uber account, passengers can book a rise, track the driver on the map, and connect with the driver from within Google Maps app.

The example on Google's blog also shows the ability to pay for rides on Lyft. Ride options on Lyft will soon begin to appear in the U.S. Gett will show up in New York City.

On Friday, Uber also reported that by the end of March it would open an autonomous-vehicle research center in Wixom, Michigan.

Reports from the Automotive News World Congress symposium suggest the company will use an existing building. The plan is to work with Detroit-based manufacturers such as Ford Motor Co., General Motors and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles as well as the major suppliers.