Technology

Google Maps test rerouted drivers across ten cities to ease congestion

Slashdot reports that Google diverted some drivers across ten U.S. cities to study whether dispersing traffic cuts congestion.

Updated Sep 8, 2026 · 05:51 UTC1 reports

The short version

Google's research arm used Google Maps to reroute a portion of motorists across ten major U.S. metropolitan areas to evaluate network traffic flow.[Slashdot]
The experiment slightly elevated overall vehicle speeds by 2% and reduced average travel times by 0.7%, yielding modest estimated emissions cuts.[Slashdot]
Whether municipal officials or the participating drivers were notified remains unconfirmed after Google declined to comment.[Slashdot]

Google's research division used Google Maps to reroute a fraction of motorists across ten U.S. urban areas.[Slashdot]
The findings were published in the journal Nature Cities in June.[Slashdot]
Average driving speeds on congested roadways rose by 2% and travel durations fell by 0.7% during the test.[Slashdot]
Targeted highway corridors in Los Angeles saw vehicle speeds rise by approximately 4.6%.[Slashdot]
The operational shifts were estimated to save approximately 1,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.[Slashdot]

Google declined to clarify whether local authorities or diverted drivers received prior notice of the experiment.[Slashdot]
Researcher Alexandre Bayen warned that excessive congestion reductions could induce additional driving demand.[Slashdot]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.