OTTAWA -- Canada's railways say their emissions of greenhouse gases last year were 3.5 per cent lower than they were in 1990, even though they carried almost 30 per cent more traffic, the Globe and Mail reports.

The Railway Association of Canada, association represents the main freight railways -- CN and CPR -- as well as 40 short lines, commuter systems in major cities and Via Rail.

The railways carry 62 per cent of freight traffic, but produce far less pollution for each kilometre carried than trucks, the rail organization said.