Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, August 16, 2019 Enhanced Google Maps, Lime integration sets sights on improving city commutes G oogle Maps will begin displaying available Lime scooters in over 100 cities around the world. On Android devices in the Google Maps app, users will be able to see if a Lime vehicle is available, how long it’ll take to walk to the vehicle and other info. In late August iOS availability for this feature will launch. In the Metro Boston area, Lime riders have taken close to a half million rides on its bikeshare program and over 60,000 rides on its scooter program. Lime bikes are available in Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Newton, Quincy, Watertown and Winthrop. Lime scooters are available in Brookline. “This integration will help unlock an even easier way to explore their cities and reduce commute times,” said Lime’s Director of Northeast Expansion, Scott Mullen. “Lime believes in the gift of time, and our scooters offer a convenient and fun way of cutting through MetroBoston congestion. We’re excited that this partnership with Google Maps provides the opportunity for Lime to connect people to their destination faster as scooters continue to become a core part of the transportation ecosystem in the Bay State.” If Lime vehicles are available, users will see them as an option from their biking, walking or transit tab if they’re traveling a relatively short distance. Google Maps will show information about the nearest Lime, such as if a Lime vehicle is available, how long it’ll take to walk to the vehicle, an estimate of how much the ride will cost, battery range, total journey time and Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA). Users can tap on a Lime in the Google Maps app, and Google Maps will show information about the selected vehicle. Finally, Google Maps will show a walking route to the selected Lime vehicle and bicycling route for the rest of the journey in the biking tab. “Whether you’re planning your daily commute or traveling to a new city, Google Maps is making it easier to weigh all your transportation options with real-time information,” said Google Maps’ Product Manager, Vishal Dutta. “In addition to showing you the best biking and transit route in Google Maps, you’ll now be able to see if Lime scooters or e-bikes are available, how long the trip will take, and the most efficient route to get there. From Stockholm to Sao Paulo, you can now use Google Maps to locate Lime scooters to get you to your destination.” Lime scooters first surfaced in Google Maps in December 2018, and the two companies expanded the partnership to 80 more cities in March 2019. Sens. Warren, Markey and Rep. Keating announce $2.5 million grant for Steamship Authority .S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey, along with U.S. Representative William Keating, recently announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded the Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket Steamship Authority (SSA) a $2.5 U million grant to support the construction of a new ferry terminal in Woods Hole. DOT awarded the competitive grant through the Department’s Passenger Ferry Grant Program, which provides funding for projects that support passenger ferry systems in urbanized areas. “Investments in local infrastructure like the new ferry terminal in Woods Hole boost our local economy and improve the travel experiences of both residents and visitors,” said Warren. “This is great news for the Steamship Authority, our communities on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket, and for the thousands of visitors who travel to these historic islands every year.” “The ferry terminal is essential for addressing the transportation and other living needs of those on Martha’s Vineyard,” said Markey. “I congratulate Steamship Authority officials on securing funding that will assist as they work in concert with the needs of the Martha’s Vineyard and Woods Hole communities to modernize, expand, and improve ferry service to this beautiful home and destination.” GRANT | SEE PAGE 16
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