Among the main attractions is a zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus, the first of its kind.
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"This bus is going to change the future of the world for the better, for our children and for future generations," said Jaimie Levin of AC Transit, the public transportation authority for the greater Oakland, California area. "(They have) amazing fuel efficiency ... we're close to doubling the fuel efficiency of a diesel bus."

The Expo focuses on energy savings and cutting pollution, and features trains and buses along with all kinds of futuristic gizmos that spin, turn, stir, and blink.

Take a giant double-decker diesel-powered commuter train, for example. The train, which debuts in Florida next March, carries 400 passengers and doesn't need a locomotive because the clean-burning diesel engines are installed under the rail cars.

"My ridership is going up, most definitely, about eight percent since Katrina," Rhode Island Transit's Alfred Moscola said. "People are getting out of their cars and saying, 'let me try mass transit.'"

Studies show that if Americans used public transportation at the same rate as Europeans, the U.S. could cut its dependence on foreign oil by about 40 percent. That's almost as much as we import from Saudi Arabia each year.

While hydrogen fuel cells won't be perfected for several years, hydrogen hybrids will be the next step for many transit systems. The devices, which some call the "poor man's fuel cell", are propelled by a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine. The hybrid setup will be phased out as soon as hydrogen fuel cells become cost effective.

Those attending the Expo said the technology make take time to develop, but it's a byproduct of long-term thinking.

"It's for my kids, and my kids' kids," Moscola said.