Congestion and gas prices are creating a boom for light rail and buses across the nation. Cities are using technology and imaginative enticements to counter Americans' reluctance to abandon their cars.
"Light railâ€"small passenger trains that, unlike underground trains or commuter railways, often use an overhead electricity source and may operate in the streetsâ€"is suddenly booming across America. Charlotte, Phoenix, and Oceanside, California, are building light-rail lines from scratch. Denver, Dallas, St Louis and many others are racing to extend existing systems, sometimes along old railway tracks. Dozens more cities, from Albuquerque to Atlanta to Louisville, are mulling light rail over. Downtown streetcars are also making a comeback, in Portland and elsewhere."
"Buses have seen some astonishing growth, especially in smaller cities...Many systems are running their buses on natural gas or cooking oil, to save money and draw in green riders...One forthcoming convenience is wireless internet access...technology may change the whole boarding process..."
Thanks to Michael
FULL STORY: All Aboard!
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