Trains
Take a ride on the Scwebebahn
I’d been obsessed with it ever since I saw The Princess and the Warrior. (Between that and the funicular in Flashdance, there is just something about bad-ass chicks that commute via unique transit.) So, when I found myself with an unexpected free morning in Essen, Germany, after especially cooperative weather for photographing the day before, I hopped on the S-Bahn towards Wuppertal to see the famed train.
What Happened to America's Trains?
In an age of rapid technological improvements in almost every aspect of life, it's difficult to understand how a technology like trains could actually be less advanced now than it was in the 1940s, writes Tom Vanderbilt.
High Speed Rail Funds on the Way for California and Florida
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said recently that California and Florida are likely to be the first recipients of stimulus funding for high speed rail projects.
Concept Trains from the Retro-Future
WebUrbanist gathers an extensive assortment of fantastic, futuristic, pseudo-scientific train designs, including a steamship that rolls out of the ocean on tracks.
Time May Be Right for Mag-Lev From Vegas to SoCal
A magnetic levitation train link between Anaheim and Las Vegas has been on the table for 30 years. Now could be the time the project finally gets enough traction to go from idea to reality.
Stimulus Should Get Rail Back on Track
Treehugger interviews urban designer, New Urbanist, and rail advocate Andy Kunz about the stimulus package and how it will benefit high speed rail in America.
How to Become an Expert Transit Rider
This commentary from re:place magazine offers tips and insights into how one can ride transit like a pro.
Towards A Transit Future
This piece from The Nation looks at the prospect of transit in America, what a renewed nationwide system could accomplish, and what it would take to achieve politically.
Philadelphia Trains to Try Out Quiet Cars
Starting Monday, some SEPTA trains will launch a pilot program that discourages too-loud talking, a problem now prevalent during rush-hour.
Crackdown on Continuous Riding on Chicago's Trains
The Chicago Transit Authority is cracking down on 'continuous riders', people who sleep or hang out in the subway through the winter nights to keep warm. Advocates worry the crackdown will hurt the homeless.
3 Plans to Rescue the Economy and the Earth with Public Transportation
Treehugger.com talks to Andy Kunz of urbandesign.org, The Apollo Alliance, and Transportation for America about their proposals to move America forward with expanded public transportation initiatives.
The New Age of Trains
Passenger rail is on the minds of voters and politicians more than ever. Some say the next train era is on its way.
Does Maglev Hurt High Speed Rail?
This article from Metropolis looks at the plan for a magnetic-levitation train connecting Las Vegas and Anaheim, which has been brewing for years. But is this idea detracting from more feasible high speed rail plans?
Somber Train Commuters Ride Again in Southern California
Devastated train commuters in Southern California rode the rails again today, comforting friends after last week's accident that left 25 dead.
Freight Trains to the Rescue
A new study suggests that getting freight onto trains and off of trucks would have a significant impact on traffic.
Will Free Rides Make Firm Believers In Transit?
Transit agencies around the U.S. offered free rides on a single day, and large crowds follow. But observers aren't sure they'll stick around when they have to pay again.
A Train That Never Stops
A Taiwanese inventor is proposing a rail system that never stops for passengers, virtually eliminating delays. Follow the full story link to see the video.
Environmental Groups Warm to Trains
Railroads are overcoming decades of resistance from environmentalists by touting their greener aspects.
New Train Tunnel Ads Irk Riders, Draw Revenue
Flashing lights on the walls on train tunnels that display a 15-second video to passengers have been introduced in L.A., bringing new revenue to the area's transit agency, but bothering some riders. Some say the ads intrude on public space.
There's a National Train Day? In America?
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard Amtrak Train 715. We're expecting a smooth ride today and should be moving along right on time," said the voice of the train conductor over the loudspeaker. He then continued, "And thanks for joining us for National Train Day". The loudspeaker then turned off, and was followed instantly by the voice of an incredulous woman a few rows behind who said "What?"
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