"Green" public transportation (early "hi tech" applications)

We hear much these days on electric/battery/hybrid buses.

Most folks are under the impression that these are new, state-of-the-art technologies.....far from it!

Many cities were using battery-powered streetcars in the 1900's and through the 1920's (though on a limited basis)

In the 1900's, a new pioneer bus operator, "Electrobus", was operating a fleet of battery-powered double-decker buses.

In New Jersey, from the mid-1930's through the later 1940's, dual-powered buses called "ASV's" (All-Service Vehicles) were in operation; they could use both overhead wires as well as gasoline engines.

So, the concept of battery-powered/hybrid/eco-friendly transit vehicles is indeed far from being a new idea!

 

Electric/hybrid transportation is now also being instituted on the waterways.

In Europe, electrically-powered ferries are now commonplace; here, at home, the Washington State Ferries (largest ferry operator in the world) is now embarking on an ambitious project to build new, eco-friendly electric ferries, as well as new hybrid vessels, in addition to upgrading older boats in the fleet