Boogle maps

I was using Google maps to find out how far a relatives house was from Manchester airport as I was thinking of leaving the car there instead of using airport parking. It turns out that it is less than 5 miles away. I then noticed a link to "Public transit" which would be handy if the relatives were not able to give us a lift.

Suggested route:
Walk 51 minutes to the bus stop.
Catch the 540 Colne - London (Victoria bound) coach (National Express)
Get off at Milton Keynes and wait 1hour 40 minutes for the London - Colne (Burnley bound) coach
Get off at Altrincham
Walk 22 minutes.
Total time - 8 hours 38 minutes. See map below.

The only clever bit is getting off the coach at Milton Keynes rather than going all the way to London Victoria. Now that would have made it a long journey!

I've just noticed another option, Walking. Now lets see ..... 4.6 miles - about 1 hour 31 minutes. Beats the public transport option, especially as that involves 1 hour 13 minutes walking anyway!

I also looked for advice from National Express for the same trip and at least they suggested getting a bus to Manchester and catching the tram to Altrincham. Journey time 1 hour 40, including walking from the bus station to the tram stop.

So where is Google maps getting it's data and algorithm (and perhaps we should add programmers!). The least it could do is suggest that you walk for an extra 18 minutes before directing you on a eight and a half hours trip.