Mon Sep 30 22:54:06 UTC 2024: ## Google Teams Up with Amtrak to Promote Sustainable Travel

**New York, NY** – In a bid to encourage more environmentally friendly travel options, Google has integrated Amtrak train schedules and fares directly into its search results. Now, when searching for travel between cities like New York and Boston, users will see Amtrak options alongside flights and driving routes.

This new feature, which launched this week, aims to highlight the benefits of train travel. Google prominently displays a “Consider taking the train” message next to flight prices, emphasizing the train’s “more climate-friendly” nature. The search engine also showcases Amtrak train schedules, trip lengths, and fares directly on the results page, allowing users to easily book their journey through Amtrak’s website.

Amtrak is hoping this integration will help increase passenger ridership, particularly for shorter journeys where train travel is often a more sustainable choice. The company cites a potential 72% reduction in carbon footprint when choosing Amtrak over flying.

“By integrating our schedules and fares directly into Google’s platforms, we’re not only enhancing the customer experience, but we are also empowering them to potentially make more sustainable travel choices,” said Christian Zacariassen, executive vice president of Digital Technology & Innovation at Amtrak.

This initiative aligns with Google’s broader efforts to promote sustainable travel options. The search engine already includes bus travel information in its results and suggests public transportation or walking routes when feasible.

This new partnership between Google and Amtrak is a significant step towards making train travel a more visible and accessible option for travelers. As more people become aware of the environmental impact of air travel, particularly for short-haul flights, initiatives like this could lead to a shift towards more sustainable modes of transportation.

Read More