[pretzellogician]

"Hence, the efficient use of transportation networks is of paramount importance."

Perhaps some sort of carpooling profile? That would be a dramatically bigger improvement than, say, routing users through residential neighborhoods.

[cortesoft]

How would Google help with a carpooling profile?

They are looking at ways they can improve traffic that are actually in their control. They can change how they route traffic that is using their app, they can’t change public policy or driving choices. They are working with what they have.

[pretzellogician]

Much as they have features for walk / bike / transit traffic, they could suggest step-by-step carpool instructions: "1. meet with (other Google Map carpool user) X at location Y. 2. In one car, both of you drive to location Z."

Obviously, huge challenges here (is person X a serial killer, etc.) But Google can handle moonshots.

[mordechai9000]

> Obviously, huge challenges here

Social credit score? I've seen that Black Mirror episode.

[fragmede]

Is this the comment for me to snarkily reinvent trains and trams and buses on?

[TRiG_Ireland]

All attempts to reimagine transport are train but worse, except for the occasional bike but worse.

Every now and then, an especially inventive inventor manages to do both at once. And that's how you get the Shweeb.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=7qNOtgrIjO4