The slow, painful death of the airline industry spells great things for rail networks everywhere (even the one just proposed in California). No better time, then, to follow the green transporters at TreeHugger on a tour of the latest innovations in high-speed trains. So throw away that frequent flyer card, and get a glimpse of the future of short- and medium-distance travel with TreeHugger’s 5 Innovative High-Speed Trains.

Japan’s efSET Train

Its name stands for Environmentally Friendly Super Express Train, and when put into service it will reach speeds of 217 miles-per-hour and run more quietly and efficiently than existing high-speed rail in Japan.

France’s AGV Train

Reducing redundency by replacing its trademark TGV (”train à grande vitesse”) with the 20% more efficient AGV (”à grande vitesse”), France’s national rail networks will reach speeds of up to 224mph.

Italy’s PVTrain

Instead of going for efficiency by maximizing speed, Italian rail authorities have tested the viability of photovoltaic panels on train roofs that can generate sufficient energy to run the trains’ lights and air-conditioning.

The New Eurostar Train

The line that goes through the Chunnel between London and the rest of Europe has already achieved 90% fuel-efficiency when compared to equivalent flights, and are working towards becoming carbon neutral and sourcing local foods to serve onboard.

Sweden’s Green Train

No article on environmental infrastructure would be complete without a Scandinavian entry, and this collaboration between Bombardier and Sweden’s rail authority delivers 20-30% greater efficiency than current models, and reaches speeds up to 183mph. It will likely be rolled out onto the tracks by 2011.

For more on the state of high-speed rail, read the rest of TreeHugger’s listicle.