Google Enhances Search and Maps for Sustainable Travel

Google revealed new features for its Maps and Search services to assist users in locating eco-friendly transportation alternatives instead of relying on gas-powered vehicles.

James Byers, the Group Product Manager for Google Search, expressed:

“When it comes to traveling and commuting, we want people to have the right information to make more sustainable choices.”

Eco-Friendly Route Suggestions

A smartphone displaying Google Maps navigation centered on Paris, with several greener travel routes and estimated times to a destination marked on the screen.

Screenshot from: blog.google/products/search/, April 2024.

If travel times are similar, Google Maps will now offer transit and walking route options in addition to driving directions.

This new feature will be available in more than 15 major cities around the world soon, such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, Paris, Rome, and Sydney.

Train & Bus Route Information

A smartphone displaying a Google Search for greener travel options for train tickets from Boston to Philadelphia with several travel options listed according to time and price.

Google now allows users to easily find long-distance train and bus routes through search. When users search queries like “Boston to Philadelphia train,” they will be provided with schedules, prices, and direct links to book tickets on the results page.

Train route information will now be accessible for 38 countries. Additionally, long-distance bus routes will be introduced for 15 countries initially.

When users use Google's Flight tool to search for flights, they will also be presented with train route suggestions as an alternative for applicable routes.

“So it’s easy to find the more sustainable option no matter where you begin your search,” Byers stated.

Highlighting Lower-Emission Flights

In cases where flying remains the best option, Google will show you the environmental impact.

Byers explains:

We use the Travel Impact Model (TIM) to estimate per-passenger flight emissions. This methodology was introduced in 2022.

TIM estimates can now be easily accessed through a developer API. This feature enables any app or website to show flight emissions to users.

Google is also releasing a Google Sheets add-on and online calculator to make the emissions estimates more widely available.

Looking Ahead

Byers recognized that there is still a long journey ahead for sustainable travel. However, he remains optimistic that the recent updates will provide individuals with the necessary information to opt for lower-carbon alternatives.

The introduction of these new features aligns with the growing trend of consumers looking for more sustainable options. Google's decision to incorporate these metrics into its main maps and travel tools is a step towards encouraging users to choose greener alternatives.

Featured Image: Screenshot from blog.google/products/search/, April 2024. 

Editor's P/S:

Google's latest updates to its Maps and Search services are a significant step towards promoting sustainable travel. The integration of eco-friendly route suggestions and train and bus route information empowers users to make informed decisions and opt for lower-carbon transportation options. By highlighting the environmental impact of flights, Google encourages travelers to consider alternative modes of transport whenever possible.

The increasing availability of these features in major cities worldwide and the ease of accessing train and bus route information are commendable. Google's efforts to make sustainable travel more convenient and accessible are crucial in fostering a shift towards greener transportation practices. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, these updates will undoubtedly play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting a more sustainable future.