Google Maps will soon introduce tolls and… price your ride
Google Maps is becoming the app that we need
Plan for car-free travel
It’s part of a bigger trend to incorporate more advanced transport planning into Google Maps. Last week Spin, the micromobility unit of Ford Motor Company, announcedthe integration of their escooters and ebikesinto Google Maps, making it easier to get around without a car.
Riders can use Maps to see, in real-time, the nearest available Spin ebike or escooter. The map details how long it will take to walk to the ebike or scooter, the estimated battery range, and when you can expect to arrive. Upon arrival, you can use the Spin app to pay for the vehicle, unlock it and ride. Easy.
Pay for your parking or train ticket in Google Maps
Earlier this year, Google Maps announced acollaboration with Google Pay so users can pay for street parking and transit faresright from Google Maps.
COVID-19 increased the desire for hands-free transactions. You can pay your meter right from driving navigation in Maps and avoid touching the meter altogether.
Public transport passengers can plan their trip on Google Maps and buy a ticket without switching to a transport app. Available for 80 transit agencies worldwide, when you get transit directions, you see the option to pay with your phone with the credit or debit cards already linked to your Google Pay account.
Giving people options at the route planning stage makes it easy to travel and increases the incentive to opt for sustainable transport. Google is not only directing us but becoming part of the solution for greener transport.
Do EVs excite your electrons? Do ebikes get your wheels spinning? Do self-driving cars get you all charged up?
Story byCate Lawrence
Cate Lawrence is an Australian tech journo living in Berlin. She focuses on all things mobility: ebikes, autonomous vehicles, VTOL, smart ci(show all)Cate Lawrence is an Australian tech journo living in Berlin. She focuses on all things mobility: ebikes, autonomous vehicles, VTOL, smart cities, and the future of alternative energy sources like electric batteries, solar, and hydrogen.
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.
