Feature request: Last-mile intermodal ETA (Drive-to-Walk transition)

Google Maps tips & tricks
1

I would like to propose a UX improvement for Google Maps navigation mode.

The problem: When approaching a destination in a city (approx. < 1km), the driving ETA can be misleading because it doesn’t account for the ‘last mile’ efficiency. Drivers often circle the block multiple times due to one-way streets or pedestrian zones, while a walking path would be significantly more direct.

The solution: Implement a secondary, small ETA overlay showing the walking time to the destination once the vehicle enters a 1km radius.

Key benefits:

  1. User decision making: Allows the driver to decide if parking early and walking is faster than completing the driving route.
  2. Sustainability: Reduces ‘cruising for parking’ (searching for a spot right at the door), which accounts for a significant percentage of urban traffic and CO2 emissions.
  3. Smart routing: Highlights the difference between the pedestrian network and the road network in real-time.

This feature would bridge the gap between driving and walking, providing a truly seamless ‘last-mile’ navigation experience.

2

Nice feature request. It has already been implemented when navigating using Public transport.

3

Good idea @Aelese , although it would also require having information about availability of parking places in Maps to work optimally - but you never know what Google is able to pull off :grinning_face:

4

@JanVanHaver, that would be a more sophisticated version than my proposal! :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes: I’m aiming for something I think would be much simpler, you see.

When you’re driving around cities like mine, which prioritize pedestrian zones and one-way streets, GPS devices suggest very long routes to reach your destination. Often you find a parking spot along the way, but the GPS says you’re 1 or 2 km away by car (because it respects one-way streets and pedestrian zones) when, on foot, you could be only 100 or 200 meters away!

What I usually have to do is park, take out my phone, and look up the walking route on Google Maps: if it’s short enough, I leave the car and walk; if not, I have to continue driving until I find another spot (which, ironically, might be even farther than the first). Having the distance and/or walking time at a glance would avoid this inconvenience and make the decision much easier.

5

You really have given it some proper thought. Well done @Aelese .

And starting with an easier version with more complex stuff later on is definitely a realistic approach.

6

Hi @Aelese Thanks for sharing that great idea. I’m sure it will be especially useful in places with heavy traffic.

7

Great idea