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Nowadays, people have different options to travel from one place to another. More than a century ago, cars began to roam the streets as one of the newest modes of transportation. It does not matter what make and model of the car one would use on those days as long as they can get to their destination. People also use trains, boats, planes, bicycles, motorcycles, and many more to travel fast without the need for walking for long periods.

However, aside from those examples, some vehicles are so unconventional and can only be found at certain places around the globe. This article discusses these vehicles and describes the location where to find them. Who knows, given its usefulness, it might even be useful in your location.

The Suspension Railway in Wuppertal Germany

For a bit of a background, suspension railways operate on a fixed track above the streets and river while being suspended in the air below the track. You can see one of them elevated on streets, other railway tracks, and waterways. In Wuppertal, Germany, this suspension railway serves as a public transport for more than 20 million people every year. Officially opened in 1901, this railway brings people to their destinations in a very unconventional yet cool way.

The Coco Taxi in Cuba

Also known as the Coconut Taxi, this mode of transportation has served a lot of Cubans for more than 20 years. You will understand why its called this way just by looking at its shape. It uses a two-stroke engine and can take at least 3 passengers excluding the driver. The Coco Taxi was meant to bring tourists around the cities but became a normal mode of transportation ever since.

The Monte Toboggan in Madeira Portugal

There is a downhill slope that separates Monte and Funchal on the island of Madeira which is part of Portugal. To get down the hill, people use the Toboggan; also known to locals as a normal sled, and slides down from the hill. It has wooden runners that slide over the well worn cobblestone streets. A very exhilarating ride, to say the least, this 2km ride would take at least 10 minutes and would make you feel like flying. A simple, yet uncommon way of transportation that started in the 19th century and still exists today. Mostly tourists take it, but it is a lot of fun. And, you can stop part way down and have a glass of Madeira wine while enjoying the view from the hillside.

The Bamboo Train in Cambodia

After learning about the aforementioned modes of transportation you might think that nothing more would surprise you. However, the Bamboo Train used in Cambodia certainly is worth mentioning. This improvised rail service which also goes by the name of nori became a tourist attraction and a must-try mode of transportation. Because of its importance, the system received multiple upgrades throughout the years to make it a safer ride for the people. It is a small flat bed on wheels and was originally pushed by passengers with bamboo poles and there was no brake. Now there are brakes and they tend to be powered by small motorcycle engines.

The Maglev in China

This train whose name means Magnetic Levitation operates with the use of 2 magnets wherein one pushes the train upwards and another pushes the train forward. This means the train is basically floating on air and not touching the track. This technique makes the train travel faster; so fast that it can rival or exceed high-speed rail systems. The normal speed of this train can reach more than 430km/h and with this speed, it takes only 7 minutes to complete a 30km trip to Pudong Airport.

The Bottom Line

These modes of transportation sure are unconventional and unusual but it gets the job done. People can go to their destinations while avoiding the usual traffic. That said, which one on the list would you try?