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Trains are one of the world's cleanest and greenest sources of transportation today. Not that their motors are necessarily the cleanest burning always, but it remains a much lower carbon consuming form of transportation than taking a plane or driving alone.
If you traveled on one train and did not like it, you certainly have not traveled them all. Today's technology has greatly advanced trains over the past decade. Not only have they become faster, lighter, cleaner burning, and more comfortable, but they are also coming back into style as a viable option, especially in Europe. Let's look at a few of the most eco-friendly trains in the world:
The Green Train is a technological marvel designed and built by Banverket (the Swedish Railway Administration) and Bombardier. It features a permanent magnetic motor capable of speeds of around 180 mph. The new engine design has improved its energy consumption by 20 to 30 percent of your average modern-style train.
The Green Train also features an assist system, which allows the engineer to monitor the trains technical data (speed and traction force) and has also been retrofitted with better bogies, which is another word for its wheel-carrying chassis. The new chassis will provide less wear and tear on the wheels on curved sections of the track. But you'll have to pre-plan a trip for this train, as it is not scheduled to come out for consumer use until 2010 or 2011.
France's AGV (Automotrice Grande Vitese)
If you're planning a trip to France, the AGV is one of the newly designed high speed trains made to actually compete with the airplane industry. It does this with its top speed of about 225 mph, which is just fast enough to get you down the line approximately 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) on relatively flat ground in no more than 3 hours.
Instead of your traditional diesel engine in the front and back end of the train, each carriage is actually fitted with its own engine. So far this engine design has shown improvement in energy efficiency by 20 percent. Scheduled to come out in 2011 or 2012, you'll have to plan your vacation even further in advance with this train, but no worries, we've got a few other eco-friendly train trips while you're waiting.
Spain's AVE S103
So far we've been looking into the future, but for the current traveler on their way to Spain, the AVE S103 is a beautiful example of why the airline industry is losing more and more passengers with each passing month. This electric motor train will travel between Madrid and Barcelona and promises that the journey will take no more than about 2 ½ hours (410 miles) and they mean that rather literally.
If the train for any reason is 5 minutes past its arrival time, all passengers receive a full refund. Considering that the average cruising speeds of the AVE can easily exceed 200 mph, they really don't have too much to worry about. While this train may feature green components like an electric motor, it certainly does not skimp on modern conveniences, such as a full conference room, improved efficiency air conditioning, Internet access, and of course your classic restaurant-style dining car.
China Mainline Evolution Series locomotive by GE
Another eco-friendly train currently in service is the Mainline. Built by (GE) General Electric, these trains are part of China's plan to reduce pollution and transport its growing population much more efficiently. There are only a few of these locomotives in use right now, but the plan is to have a fleet of 300 delivered to China by the end of 2010. While the newly designed 16-cylinder diesel-electric achieves a 5% improvement in fuel efficiency with up to 84% less emissions, the real magic of the Mainline lies in its lightweight design.
Using less heavy, bulky materials in its makeup, the Mainland is able to put more of its available 6,250 horsepower towards the hauling of its passengers and their belongings, rather than the trains bloated internal structures. The Mainland is not a huge technological marvel, nor does it look all that much different than a standard train, but its simple design and extensive routes make it one of the best ways to travel China on a clean and mean budget.
More on trains:
Bringing Back the Popularity of the Train
5 Reasons You Should Travel by Train
3 Scenic North American Train Routes That You Should Know
UK Conservatives Plan Trains not Planes—Not Everyone is Happy
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