New light rail system for Waterloo, Ontario

New light rail system for Waterloo, Ontario

Here.

Monorail in KL

Kuala Lumpur is showing the world how to do it with new transport projects - a monorail due to launch in July 2002 and a train service linking to the airport also due to open this year.

Hydrogen versus hybrid

The Times. The controversy in the UK over hydrogen versus hybrid cars - the marketplace will decide which are successful but the manufacturers are not averse to getting their hands on the public purse. Surely hybrid cars have a place as they are here and now while hydrogen cars are still in the 'show' car stage.

Offshore wind farm project for UK

Details of the project here. UK is working towards sourcing 10 percent of electricity from renewables to reduce the UK's carbon emissions.

To sign or not to sign

A half page advertisement in Canada's National Post says "Chretien's $40 Billion Lemon Threatens Canada - The sour facts behind the Kyoto Treaty." Placed by the National Citizens Coalition you can read more here.

Japanese robotic rental

BBC World had a feature today on bike rental in Tokyo - with a wonderful robotic underground parking system. However an old piece from the Japan Times pours cold water.

Smart synopsis

Good article in Fortune about the smart car built in France.

Help me Honda

News of a solar panel from Honda Engineering Co which cuts manufacturing costs by 40% and should be in the aftermarket by 2003. I've been trying to get more on this but no luck.

Canal comeback

News that the Lachine Canal in Montreal is to re-open this summer for pleasure boaters for the first time in 30 years. Check this out.

Tailwind

Reuters brings news of global growth in the international windpower market of 16% over the next five years (source Danish consultancy BTM). Though still less than 1% of the world's energy supply comes from windpower it is the fastest growing area.
Denmark already generates about 20% of it's electricity from windpower and has a manufacturing industry to supply world markets. More.

Life on the ocean wave

If you recently won the lottery, have been left a large legacy or are just plain minted you might fancy an apartment aboard the World of ResidenSea - a floating home now on it's maiden voyage. It was in Hamburg, Germany earlier in the week before heading for London. It will be at the Monaco Grand Prix later in the season. Nice work if you can get it.

Pipe dream - 200 mph trains for UK

The Times brings news of plans for high-speed north-south train services some time in the future. Don't hold your breath.

A great day

Last September I decided to have a very "English" day out prior to wintering in Canada. So I took the smart car through the Sussex countryside to visit the Kent & East Sussex Railway. I rode the steam train of the K&ESR from Bodiam Castle to Tenterden in Kent and back. In Tenterden I visited the railway museum and learned about Holman Fred Stephens who engineered this railway and many others. The whole day was a magic trip into the past - with coffee served at your seat on board the train - if you are ever in that part of the world don't miss it.