Green and Go

Now that we’re in the thick of the digital age most of us have at least a dozen apps, whether for practicality or fun (who can resist a silly Snapchat filter?). But with limited space on my rapidly aging phone, I’m becoming pickier about the little icons, choosing only those that add real value. And, as a big fan of car-less living, my interest was piqued by the recently-released Cowlines app, which allows a choice of bikeshare, carshare, taxi and transit options or a combo trip, while also displaying the cost, timing and CO2 emissions of each. Currently up and running in Vancouver, it will be available in other Canadian cities (like Calgary, Toronto and Montreal) this summer.

So how does one test the efficiency of such a tool? You "amazing race" around the city with your best pal, obviously! Equipped with the Cowlines app, I faced off against Katrina, who wielded Google Maps—both of us limited to the options provided by our respective app. Starting in downtown Vancouver, we both used transit to the first stop. Neck and neck, I then hopped on a Mobi bike (working in my daily cardio while hustling over the Burrard Street bridge) while my opponent took the bus. Scooping up our flags, we checked the final destination: the University of British Columbia! Cowlines calculated that a taxi would get me there fastest and, with speed being a priority, I heeded the advice. After a zippy ride, I jogged up and was handed sweet victory and the winning flag, Katrina arriving several minutes later.

So there you have it. With gas prices ridiculously high and green living a top priority, a multi-mode and highly effective transportation app is a no-brainer for this Vancouverite! —Rachel Johnston

cowlines.com