Google Directions API (Transit mode) returns only one alternative route per request

Question

I have built an small application which calls the Google Directions API in Transit mode. It works - nevertheless it returns only one possible route, so it shows no alternatives. Usually I expect 3-4 options to choose from.

Example: http://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/directions/json?origin=bieberstrasse,+dusseldorf&destination=norf,+neuss&sensor=false&mode=transit&departure_time=1399399424

The returned JSON structure has the expected "routes" array, but this array always has only one element. I have tried it with addresses in Brazil and Germany - it doesn't matter the country, I only get one single route.

Did I miss some parameter? Could someone help me with it?

Answer 1

If you want alternative routes, specify the request parameter alternatives=true:

http://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/directions/json?alternatives=true&origin=bieberstrasse,+dusseldorf&destination=norf,+neuss&sensor=false&mode=transit&departure_time=1399399424