[Raptor235]

Over the past few years, the push to go green has led to the development of many new environmental technologies. Sometimes, though, reinventing the old ones is still the best way to go. Take trains, for example. The gentleman who made this video believes that high-speed trains could go a long way towards alleviating the pollution caused by domestic travel. He’s right, of course, and many countries are already making widespread use of high-speed electric trains.

For one thing, they’re electric. Right there we have a chance to cut out pollution and greenhouse gases altogether. We would have to provide clean, renewable energy sources to power the trains, of course— but simply covering the roofs of train stations with solar panels would do the trick.
You can find the entire article here http://aboutmyplanet.com/videos/speed-trains-future

[Lyndsey]

I love the rail system in France. They have upgraded many lines to efficient, energy-saving high speed trains and they have rail connections to some remote, historic villages so you don't need to rent a car to get around many places in the countryside. I find it harder to get around the countryside here in Canada without a car.

[mollyL]

About ten years ago the Pacific Northwest tried to institute the Talgo Train. It was a hi-speed, hi-tech sleek train that they spent alot of money to promote. I don't think it even got to run on a schedule, the plug was pulled because it was going to be too expensive. In this era of the money we have poured into Iraq and the proposed stock market bail-out the train would probably cost relative chump-change. Is it governmental code for money well spent=too expensive?

[stav]

We've been working towards this in the UK for a number of years.. the Eurostar through the channel tunnel into Europe, was the world's first carbon neutral train service.

[justontime]

One of the Voyagers run by Virgin Trains in UK runs on a 20% bio-diesel blend. It is good that they are trying to develop sustainable energy, but if the railways are to make a significant difference, UK needs massive investment in the infrastructure. Train travel needs to be fast, reliable, comfortable and affordable.

[ALF]

imagine, a 25 speed moped. it goes really fast, but getting up to speed seems to be a big factor, and slowing or stopping requires calculations of variables that effect efficency. The distance / accelleration rate and propulsion of High Speed systems need consideration. Thats why the Big auto companies are driving there new electric cars with small scale power plants for electric engines and regenerative braking systems which aim to extend the range of their electric cars. Check out the new electric Jeeps for example.

[GreenerPeople]

I take a commuter train to work everyday in Chicago and it's great. I would love to see more investment in trains and I think high speed trains could become a cleaner more reliable alternative to domestic air travel.

[GreenTomThumb]

Originally Posted by GreenerPeople

I take a commuter train to work everyday in Chicago and it's great. I would love to see more investment in trains and I think high speed trains could become a cleaner more reliable alternative to domestic air travel.

I'll take the sky any day.

[BethT]

Originally Posted by GreenTomThumb

I'll take the sky any day.

even beyond the greener-ness of trains...

i would much rather have to be at a station only 30 mins before my travels. rather than 3 to 4 hours before.

[GreenTomThumb]

Originally Posted by BethT

even beyond the greener-ness of trains...

I would much rather have to be at a station only 30 mins before my travels. rather than 3 to 4 hours before.

Trains are good when traveling short distances. For me, I'd much rather wait the hour or two it takes to get on a plane and get to my destination quickly.

By train it would take me days to get to my destination. Plus our company recently bought a new plane so I might as well use it .