trains

Gavin Hudson gives us a glimpse of some of the world's most interesting public transit options. Upside down monorail? Sign me up.

Solution to the gridlock that plagues America's roads and skies? If only these could get built, we could catch up with Europe and Asia in terms of transit.

Brazil's largest logistics operator, CVRD, has committed its 3 railroads to running their locomotives on biodiesel. Tests supervised by a respected engineering institute suggest it will cut HC and SO2 emissions by nearly a third, and if CVRD runs them on B20 it will cut CO2 emissions by about 209,000 metric tons per year -- close to a million a year if CVRD goes for 100% biodiesel. CVRD hopes to earn carbon credits by the fuel switch.

Kudos to the Japanese for actually putting into use a hybrid technology based train. This new train reduces emissions by 60% and fuel consumption by 20%. Hats off for this test and here's hoping for expanded use by all.