Why are you people thinking this is better than Microsoft Words annoying Clippy? "It seems like you are writing a letter..."

I already know how to get to work every day.

It's out of the way - at best there's an extra notification, or it's one card in Google Now - when/if you go there.

Extra information when presented unobtrusively is not annoying.

a. Do you know how long it's going to take today? If there're any specific traffic issues that are causing delays on your usual route?

b. What if you have an appointment today to a different place than work - wouldn't you like to know the route there?

c. If you take transit, wouldn't you like to see bus routes when you reach the bus stop, instead of manually searching for it?

Think of it as your Personal Assistant... Not sure why you wouldn't want one that's always with you and can be flicked away if it's not what you want [permanently or only this time].

The difference is Clippy tries to grab your attention, most likely without making a contribution. Google Now doesn't try to grab your attention, just show you information that might be helpful.

It only shows up if there are traffic delays or public transit schedules.