In anticipation of Earth Day, Google has introduced new features for Google Maps and Search to promote sustainable travel, making it easier for travelers to choose alternatives to driving.

• Google Maps: Now suggests public transit alternatives and walking routes directly within the driving mode.

• Availability: Initially in 15 cities, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, London, Montreal, Paris, Rome, and Sydney.

Train and Bus Information in Search:

• Google Search: Allows searches like “Boston to Philadelphia train” to get schedules and ticket prices.

• Availability: Train support in 38 countries; long-distance bus routes in 15 countries.

• Google Flights: Soon to include train options for sustainable travel alternatives.

Improved EV Charging Experience: Google Maps uses AI to summarize reviews and provide detailed information on EV chargers, including real-time charging speed and port availability. For trips with multiple stops, Maps now suggests nearby EV charging stations. Additionally, a new EV filter in Google’s travel search helps users find hotels with nearby charging stations.

Sweden has introduced an innovative app, Smart Scout, that allows people to report illegal parking and get paid for it. According to Euronews, the app aims to enhance parking enforcement in private parking lots.

• Eligibility: Anyone over 16 with a Swedish social security number

• Reward: SEK 100 (or $9.15 USD) per successful report

Users can snap a photo of a wrongly parked car through the app, which notifies a parking attendant. If the car owner is fined, the user receives the payment. While currently limited to private lots, this concept could potentially be scaled to city lots and street parking, helping to deter illegal parking and improve urban mobility.

Emily Dreibelbis, writing in PC Mag, highlights a paradox in electric vehicle (EV) adoption: while many EVs are designed for urban environments, "early adopters are primarily wealthy, single-family homeowners who can power up on private chargers versus those in rental property garages."

• By 2030: 60% of EVs will be in suburbs

• Chargers in Single-Family Homes: 92% nationwide, according to a June 2023 DOE report

Dreibelbis points out that the lack of charging infrastructure in urban areas is a major reason why urban Americans are less likely to buy electric cars. In contrast, Europe has innovative solutions like converting light poles to charging stations, which the U.S. has yet to embrace.

Until urban infrastructure improves, the suburbs will continue to lead in EV adoption. "They prove that when charging is easy and available, and the driver considers the vehicle affordable, people love EVs," writes Dreibelbis.

Washington, D.C.’s Capital Bikeshare broke multiple records last month, including a single-day ridership record, according to DC News Now.

• Single-Day Record: Over 20,000 rides on March 16

• Previous Record: Approximately 19,000 rides in October

“Compared to other major metropolitan cities with bike-sharing systems, D.C. ranked third in ridership, only behind Chicago by just 1 million rides, according to data compiled by Greater Greater Washington.”

In a proposed budget revealed on April 3, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser pledged $3 million to support Capital Bikeshare operations, maintenance, and growth. Andie Vigliotti calls the system’s sustained growth an encouraging step toward integrating the bikeshare system into the city’s transportation infrastructure.