Google is rolling out a series of updates to Maps and Search aimed at supporting green modes of travel, such as using public transport and electric cars, touting their advantages over its own internal combustion engine cars.
Eco-travel
Eco-routes
From now on, Google Maps will offer alternative ways of traveling by rail and bus along with traditional car routes. This feature is currently available in a number of European cities, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Budapest, London, Paris, Rome, Vienna and Zurich, making it easier to ditch private cars.
Long-distance trips
Google search has expanded the possibilities of planning long-distance trips by trains and buses. Users will now be able to view timetables, ticket prices and booking links in a convenient tabular format under the search bar. This option already works for railway routes in Ukraine and 37 other countries, and in the near future it will also work for long-distance buses.
Rail alternatives
For some destinations, train travel is a more environmentally friendly alternative to air travel. That's why last year Google started offering rail options when searching for flights in Search, and soon the feature will also appear in Google Flights, giving travelers greener options.
Greener flights
In cases where air travel is the only fast way to cover a long distance, Google has integrated air travel carbon emissions data from the Travel Impact Model (TIM). This information will be available through the API for developers, the add-on for Google Sheets and the calculator on the TIM website.
Charging stations for electric cars
In addition, Google has improved the search for charging stations for electric cars:
- Google Maps will use artificial intelligence to improve the detection of stations, even in hard-to-reach places, and users will be able to leave reviews about them.
- During the trip, you will be able to view information about the nearest free chargers in real time and their capacity.
- The function of recommendations of places for charging during trips with several stops has appeared.
- The Travel service will display hotels with charging stations for electric vehicles.
Glossary
- Google: a world-renowned technology company that develops and promotes a number of products and services, including a search engine, the Android operating system, Google Maps and much more.
- Maps: a web service for working with maps and planning routes, developed by Google.
- Search: Google search engine, one of the most popular in the world.
- Google Flights: Google service for searching and booking flights.
- TIM (Travel Impact Model): a model for assessing the impact of travel on the environment.
Link
- Google Maps and Search announcement page
- Page with information about finding charging stations for electric cars in Google Maps
Answers to question
How does Google Maps help you choose greener routes?
How does Google help with long distance trips?
How does Google encourage users to choose rail as an alternative to air travel?
How does Google provide information about carbon emissions during air travel?
How does Google improve the search for charging stations for electric cars?
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Discussion of the topic – How Google helps green travel: new Maps and Search functions
Google has rolled out a series of updates to Maps and Search that will help users choose greener ways to get around. These updates cover various aspects of travel, from eco-friendly routes to finding electric car charging stations.
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Олексій
It's great that Google has added such useful features to Maps and Search! These upgrades will help you avoid unnecessary CO2 emissions and choose greener ways to travel. 🌱
Оксана
Of course, these updates are very relevant. In particular, I appreciated the possibility to compare flights with trains. Sometimes the train can actually be a better choice for long trips. 🚂
Марина
I like that Google has made information about CO2 emissions from flights more open and accessible. This will allow you to make more informed choices. Previously, it was much more difficult to obtain such data.
Михайло
And updated information about charging stations will be incredibly useful for electric car owners. Personally, I often lacked such a function during further trips. 🔌⚡
Ґердт
It's useless to deal with these ecological nothings. To begin with, they should provide normal public transport, and then talk about ecology! 🙄 It's okay, they created problems, and now they are falling apart in environmental zeal. Phew!
Мілена
Gerdt, don't be such a pessimist! 😄 Any positive changes in the ecological direction should be welcomed. Gradually, but humanity is moving in the right direction.
Дарина
I would really like to see improved public transport information on Google Maps. In Ukraine, not everything is perfectly arranged with this yet. 🚌 I would like to have more information about schedules and routes.
Адріана
In my opinion, the idea of offering route options with trains and buses as an alternative to cars is brilliant! 🚗 🚌 This can help many reduce their "carbon footprint".
Фелікс
My parents live in a small town, so these new Google Maps options will be very useful for them. 👴👵 There is no subway, and public transport runs irregularly, so car alternatives are important.
Анна
But I wonder if they will take into account the timetable of long-distance buses in Ukraine? I hope to add this information soon. 🇺🇦🚎
Мартін
In my opinion, the integration of charging stations for electric cars in Google Maps is the best news! 🔋 Now it will be much easier to plan long-distance trips with your own electric car.
Марко
The new environmental features are definitely a step in the right direction. However, it seems to me that Google still has a lot of room for further improvements in the field of green technology. 💚
Наталія
I wonder if we will be able to track CO2 emissions in real time given the current route? 🤔 This would be another useful innovation to the environmental options in Maps.
Ян
Well done at Google, who do not forget about ecology during the development of their services. 👍🏼 Contrary to critics, the trend for ethical and ecological products is growing, so it is simply necessary.