For example, canal boats. They date back centuries ago when there were NO roads in Bangkok. People travelled and transport goods exclusively by the canals. As the Western influence grew stronger in the end of last century the first road (New Road) was built. During last decades many canals (khlongs in Thai) were dug up. However, recently we have witnessed the revival of the canal boats. While Bangkok streets are choking with the influx of cars all 24 hours a day and spending 5 to 6 hours a day commuting by car or bus is a norm, there are no traffic jams on the canals.
One such a boat seats up to 100 people, while in rush hour more than 150 people can board it. You can see them toffee-nosed Chanel-clad and high-heeled office ladies, peasants from the North Eastern provinces, clean-shaved monks in saffron robes, boyscouts, female students brandishing huge bunches of textbooks and sometimes even foreign businessmen weary of never-ending traffic snarl-up embarking a boat altogether.
Whilst we here don't know how to get rid off tuk-tuks -- 3-wheel taxies, aka "3-wheel motor saws gone berserk" -- on the Stateside they seem to be catching on. They market tuk-tuks as the newest recreational sensation. And you can place an advert of yours on the back of a tuk-tuk! No monkey business, no-no, sir.
We will continue with stories about soi minitaxies, "Green Monstre" buses and motorcycle taxies.