New updates to Google Maps and Search are designed to help users make more eco-friendly travel choices.
The Maps update will display public transportation and walking route options in addition to driving directions in certain cities, allowing users to compare travel times and select greener options. This feature will be accessible in more than fifteen cities globally.
Search is also getting better at assisting users in finding long-distance train and bus routes. Searching for “Boston to Philadelphia train” will now exhibit schedules, ticket prices, and booking links directly on the results page. This feature is currently offered for trains in 38 countries and buses in 15.
Furthermore, Google Flights will now present train route suggestions alongside flight options, making it simpler for users to compare sustainable travel alternatives regardless of their starting point.
For flights where flying is the only feasible choice, Google Flights will continue to display estimated emissions for each flight, enabling users to opt for options with lower emissions. These emission estimates are powered by the Travel Impact Model (TIM), which Google provides to developers through an API, a Google Sheets add-on, and a website calculator.
These updates indicate a move towards more sustainable travel by providing users with the information needed to make environmentally friendly choices.
