GoKawiilGoogle Research Tests Traffic-Spreading Algorithm on Maps Users in 10 U.S. Cities
Google's research division ran an experiment rerouting a small subset of Google Maps drivers across 10 U.S. cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and Chicago, spreading vehicles across more routes instead of funneling them onto the fastest-looking path. The published results, which appeared in Nature Cities, showed average speeds rose about 2% and travel times shortened by 0.7%, with highway-focused rerouting in Los Angeles boosting speeds by as much as 4.6%.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The findings turn a long-held theory in transportation research into a real-world, at-scale demonstration that navigation apps can actively smooth traffic flow rather than just react to it. But experts caution the gains could be self-limiting: easing congestion tends to attract more drivers back onto the improved routes, a phenomenon known as induced demand that has undercut similar fixes like highway widening.
- Google tested traffic rerouting on real drivers across 10 U.S. cities via Google Maps.
- The experiment produced modest but measurable gains: 2% faster speeds and 0.7% shorter trips overall.
- Experts warn success could be temporary due to induced demand, where relieved congestion draws in more traffic.
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Published there as: “Why Google Told Drivers to Drive a Longer Way On Purpose”
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