There’s a micro media storm brewing for train travel. As air-carriers struggle to satisfy passengers, the idea of taking the train is becoming more and more popular. We used to think it was just us who were enthusiastic about trains, but in the last week we’ve seen two of our friends take trains across the country, analysts are reporting record train use and this Saturday is National Train Day. When you place some of these observations upon the landscape of a troubled travel industry, this could be the beginning of a significant shift for travelers.

While the air line industry responds to issues of efficiency and the environment, travelers are moving toward new modes of transportation. Today, we’ve compiled headlines that consider some of these issues. Click Read More for today’s headlines.

Trying to Lighten that Carbon Footprint

“In February, on a chilly, clear Sunday morning, Sir Richard Branson, president of Virgin Atlantic, along with the co-sponsors Boeing and GE Aviation, lured more than 200 journalists to a hangar at Heathrow Airport near London to witness what they said was airline history. Over flutes of Champagne and plates of mini-bagels filled with salmon, everyone’s eyes were fixed on a 747 as it took off on the world’s first biofuel demonstration flight. Never mind that only one of the plane’s engines used biofuel, and that was about 25 percent mixed with standard kerosene jet fuel. It was still significant, given that air travel is the fastest-growing source of global greenhouse gases, and the race to find an alternative to kerosene is now crucial.”

[Read] NY Times

Continental Airlines expands paperless boarding

“Handset addicts traveling domestically through Houston’s Intercontinental Airport have likely utilized the paperless boarding option if hopping on a Continental flight, and apparently the initiative is going over so well that the aforesaid airline and the TSA are expanding it to three more venues. As of now, passengers traveling within the US can enjoy the same luxury at Boston’s Logan International Airport and Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C; later this month, the program should slide into Newark International Airport in New Jersey…”

[Read] Engadget

US Department of Transportation Gives $153 Million to Chicago

“Your tax dollars at work. On one side, subsidize more roads, sprawl, and related infrastructure, on the other, subsidize various approaches to try to convince people to keep off the roads. The US Department of Transportation (DoT) is transferring $153 million to Chicago to help it reduce traffic via congestion pricing for street parking spaces and the implementation of a Bus Rapid Transit system.”

[Read] TreeHugger

Airlines Slow Down to Save Fuel

“Drivers have long known that slowing down on the highway means getting more miles to the gallon. Now airlines are trying it, too — adding a few minutes to flights to save millions on fuel.”

[Read] USA Today

UK Travelers Choose Trains

“An encouraging new finding: according to the Association of Train Operating Companies (Atoc), more UK commuters are taking trains now than than any other time since World War II. According to Atoc’s recent study, 30.1 billion miles were travelled via rail in the United Kingdom, a record high.”

[Read] PSFK

Amtrak prepares for Train Day

“Amtrak is hoping live entertainment, exhibits and a national TV personality will lure people who don’t normally take the train into its stations — and then inspire them to return to ride the rails another day. Dubbed “National Train Day,” the May 10 effort includes a performance by singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles in Washington’s Union Station. Al Roker, of NBC’sToday show, is serving as the official spokesman and will host the Washington events…”

[Read] USA Today

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