Embark is pretty good but it doesn't solve the "what's the fastest way from this random location in SoHo to Port Authority" problem. I can tap on two stations and find the fastest way between them, but Google would tell me which option to take, of which there are a lot:

* Walk to W4th, A train (or C/E train) directly to Port Authority

* BDFM from Bway/Lafayette to W4th, A train

* BDFM from Bway/Lafayette to NQR at 34th, walk from 42nd.

* NR from Prince to 42nd

* 6 from Bleecker/Spring to Union Square, NQR to 42nd. This is a long and annoying transfer, which Google probably picked up on.

* 6/NR -> L -> ACE (probably not)

Since Embark's map is the stylized subway map, it doesn't really help with geographic locations.

There are other situations like this: should I take the J train at Bowery directly over the bridge and walk for a while on the other side, or should I walk to the 6 and take the L train under the river, getting off much closer to my destination? The estimated walking time factors into this - if there's a J train about to arrive and I'll narrowly miss the 6, the answer is obvious. If I'm going to have to wait for both, my time is better spent walking to a train that will get me closer to my destination.