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Google Maps (which now has divining skills) and Waze (recently equipped with four very pleasant new features) are changing course slightly. Usually, both apps offer you various routes from which you can choose the shortest. A handy option for just about any situation where you need to move from point A to point B. However, it's likely that you've noticed a change that happened recently. The shortest route is no longer necessarily the first suggested option. What happened?
A new environmental directive
This change took place under the impetus of decree no. 2022-1199. The latter stipulates that: “ […] digital services which aim to facilitate multimodal travel highlight itinerary proposals including ;#8217;impact is the lowest in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. When the initial route includes a portion in a motorized vehicle with a maximum authorized speed greater than or equal to 110 km/h, the digital travel assistance services offer an alternative route taking into account a reduction in the maximum speed of 20 km/h on the portions concerned “.
This regulatory text therefore directs these applications towards a more environmentally friendly approach and now, the routes suggested by default favor those with the least environmental impact. As a result, it is not necessarily the shortest ones that take precedence.
The carbon footprint of each journey is visibly displayed, allowing users to make their choice in the most convenient way enlightened that is. Better yet, the most ecological alternatives are highlighted, thus encouraging drivers to opt for longer, but less polluting, journeys.
Urban mobility and major events
There is both an ecological dimension which explains this choice, but also practical considerations linked to traffic management. The most convincing example currently is that of the Île-de-France region, which recently put pressure on Google Maps to change its mode of operation in view of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
The public transport application « Public Transport Paris 2024& ;nbsp;» will not systematically offer the shortest journeys, because the risk of traffic jams would be too great. As our beautiful capital is not particularly known for the fluidity of its traffic, this is perfectly understandable. Instead, it will favor alternative routes allowing a better distribution of travelers and a reduction in overall congestion during this major event.
Laurent Probst, general director of the Transport Union of Île-de-France, emphasized Ouest France < strong>the importance of this adaptation: “ If’they don't do it, it will be necessary for the & #8217;State makes the necessary decisions. They will be asked to close their application. This is a public safety issue ”. A fairly radical statement proving that the authorities are taking the problem seriously. Since we will certainly not be able to count on the presence of flying taxis during the Olympics, due to lack of the necessary certifications, we might as well press the levers that can be easily operated.
- Waze and Google Maps are seeing their route proposals evolve.
- The shortest routes will no longer be those proposed first, due to decree no. 2022 -1199.
- An initiative with an ecological and practical aim, for example, during the future 2024 Olympic Games which will be held in Paris.
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