Eco-friendly transportation choices integrated into Google Search

Amtrak and Google have joined forces to help travelers choose more sustainable transportation options when searching for intercity travel. Thanks to a newly launched, direct data integration, travelers using Google can now view the most up-to-date Amtrak departure times, trip durations and fares directly on the Google Search results page. Amtrak’s new integration with Google also means that once customers select a train, they can click through to Amtrak.com to complete the booking for their chosen itinerary without needing to re-enter their trip details.

Eco-friendly transportation choices to improve after Amtrak and Google integration

Amtrak information will appear in Google search results when a user indicates they are considering rail travel between two Amtrak destinations. As part of this integration, Google will also show train suggestions when travelers look for flights on Google Search or Google Flights, helping people consider more sustainable options when deciding how to get from A to B. More information is available on Google’s blog.

"One of the biggest impacts we can make towards climate change is shifting the way people get around. As we continue offering services that motivate people to shift out of cars and planes into trains, we are thrilled that this integration makes it even easier for users to find rail options for their travel needs while also potentially lowering their carbon emissions," said Amtrak President Roger Harris.

Each time a customer chooses Amtrak instead of flying, they can reduce their carbon footprint by up to 72%. As Amtrak looks to the future, the United States has an opportunity to make use of an unparalleled asset - the railway infrastructure, the world’s largest by mileage - to support an expanded network of low-carbon, high-capacity intercity passenger rail routes that can materially enhance the economy, improve communities, and create opportunities for travelers and workers alike.

Amtrak debuts new integration with Google to support more sustainable transportation choices

Amtrak has set ambitious new targets including a goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the Amtrak Network by 2045. This net-zero emissions target focuses on expanding efforts across Amtrak’s entire carbon footprint to reduce environmental impacts from operations while safely moving people.

Prior to this new, direct integration with Amtrak, Google used a third party data source to show Amtrak information on Search.

Amtrak information appears in Google search results when a user indicates they are considering rail travel between two Amtrak destinations.

"With construction, renovation, repair, and upgrade projects at stations across the country, station accessibility is a priority we’re actively pursuing with funding from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act," said Dr. David Handera, Amtrak Vice President, Accessibility, Stations and Facilities.

"I appreciate Amtrak’s investments in both Holdrege and Hastings. These upgrades will improve rail access and allow both stations to better serve the public," said Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb.

"These updates will make the Holdrege station more accessible to everyone. I would like to thank Amtrak for the efforts. The City of Holdrege looks forward to continue to work with Amtrak," said Mayor James Liffrig.

"Whether you are visiting Hastings or embarking on a new journey on the California Zephyr, the updates at the Hastings station are a welcome addition. I would like to thank Amtrak and the local subcontractors who put these accessibility improvements in place and I look forward to this enhanced experience for our citizens and visitors," said Mayor Corey Stutte.

"Whether it’s to save time, stay productive, or benefit from convenience and flexibility, the best way to travel is on an Amtrak train. We’re enhancing the customer experience in countless new ways, while in parallel continuing to offer the amenities every traveler deserves, making ‘Retrain Travel’ a commitment to our guests for an unforgettable journey on America’s Railroad," said Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Eliot Hamlisch.