"Drivers have been impacted at a disastrous level, " said Bhairavi Desai, spokeswoman for the New York City Taxi Alliance, which represents more than 3, 000 taxi drivers.

CNN: Recovery: NY seeks billions in federal aid

The single biggest advantage of train travel is that it goes from city center to city center, without the need to arrive over an hour early, which in many cases can save you 2-3 hours of travel time (and taxi expenses) before you even count the travel itself.

FORBES: Don't Fly - Why Trains Are the Best Way to Travel Overseas

At least two other teams previously have said they have plans to develop electric-powered taxi technologies, including systems under development at L-3 Communications Holdings Inc.

WSJ: Honeywell Tests Autopilots for the Tarmac

Once at Pakret, follow the crowds to the main road and take a motorcycle taxi to the Wat Sanam Neua temple (24 Moo 3 Chaengwattana Road), a short 10-baht ride away.

BBC: Take the boat out of Bangkok

In London, 50% - or 2 million - of the population used public transport to get to work, compared with 31% - 1.3 million - travelling by car, motorcycle or taxi.

BBC: 138,000 speak no English - census