Public transport systems are the main means of transport in many countries including many developed countries. Though owning a car is pretty common, with increase in oil prices, one is forced to switch to alternate means either in terms of fuel or transport. Alternate transport may cut the fuel cost for an individual but it does not solve the pollution and fossil-fuel consumption problem. Therefore, not just personal use vehicles but also public transport should resort to alternate energy source.
Japan is one such country that has propounded to use electric energy to run streetcars. The Railway Technical Research Institute in Kokubunji, Tokyo, is the company that has developed a lithium battery that can recharge in under a minute. It can run at a speed of 40 kph for 15 kilometers and is capable of converting 70 percent of its deceleration energy into electricity. 30% of the power is supplied by recharging station. The number of passengers it can carry would however not be known until test runs are observed in Sapporo at the end of November. The streetcar has its floor built low. This I’m sure would facilitate the short, puny and old aged.
This streetcar overall is one of Tokyo’s pride and I hope would hit most parts of the world. To make the world a greener planet, its important to take the step though a small one. Take the step today and the masses will follow suite tomorrow.
via : Fareastgizmos
