5 High Speed Trains that are Changing the Face of Rail
Image credit: Sydney Morning Herald
Eurostar's High Speed Trains Cut Emissions and Go Carbon Neutral Too
Eurostar, the company running trains between London and mainland Europe, may well win the prize for the most holistic approach to greener train travel. The company already claims 90% lower greenhouse gas emissions than equivalent airline journeys. But in an effort to win over an increasingly environmentally conscious travelling public, Eurostar launched its much heralded “Tread Lightly Initiative†back in 2007, which aimed for a further 25% reduction in absolute emissions through energy efficiency measures and green power purchases, coupled with a commitment to become the world’s first rail service to go carbon neutral through responsible offsets (our very own Bonnie Alter was invited along for Eurostar’s first carbon neutral trip). The initiative has even looked into the smaller details of the company’s footprint, including sourcing local food for onboard catering, and “debranding†staff uniforms so they can be reused for other purposes.
Image credit: Bombardier
Swedish Green Train Research Program 20-30% More Efficient
Back in August Matthew reported on Bombardier and the Swedish Railway Administration’s Gröna TÃ¥get (Green Train) research program which managed to set a new Swedish speed record (295 km/h; 183 mph), all while consuming 20-30% less energy than your average train. And if that weren’t enough, the train has also been equipped with “track-friendly bogiesâ€, allowing for increased running stability and less wheel wear, as well as an active lateral suspension system for passenger comfort too. Unfortunately, as Matthew reported, it doesn’t look like this will be rolled out onto passenger routes until at least 2010 or 2011, but we can wait - my personal experience of Swedish trains tells me that they are already some of the most comfortable and efficient in the world.
Click over to page 3, where we'll explore some efficient innovations in freight trains too, and take a look at some glimmers of hope for rail travel in the Americas.
