Stylised rendering of a modern tram wagon with large windows. Partially covered by a huge satin glass pane.

Tram 2030

Autonomous Tram Concept for the city of Dresden

Uni Project | Bachelor's Thesis

Timeframe | 8 weeks 2020

Project Scope | Project Management, Design Research, Conceptual Design, Visualisation

Story

What may happen …

Passengers will prefer the convenience and availability of self driving cars and taxis to public transportation, greenwashing this thanks to the electrification but still not making our growing cities any more liveable.

Public Transportation therefor while have to offer comparable solutions to be a viable alternative for people who are currently travelling by car.

Concept

Small autonomous tram vehicles that can be fitted specifically for the needs of different target groups allow the operator to respond flexibly to specific peaks in demand. Varying routes and frequencies and offered service matching the local and timely demand.

Rethinking the tram ground up to utilize the possibilities of autonomous vehicles.

Comparison of different people and goods transported by changes in train design from short distance commuter to goods train.
Comparison of current and proposed metro map routes showing simplified lines, fewer connections, and streamlined pathways.

Crafting a Concept

Exterior Design

Design Goal

While the interior is designed for the needs of the specific target group, the exterior design should be uniform. Designed for the city of Dresden, the vehicles have to fit in but also complement its visual style. After all, they will be part of it for many years.

Stylescape

Dresden is defined by its signature baroque city center but also positions itself as the technological leader of the region.
Both aspects should be reflected in the design.

Collage of images showing different architectural styles and transportation modes, including a river and hills, modern buildings, a high-speed train, autonomous vehicles, and urban infrastructure. Labels include 'Tradition,' 'Dresden,' 'Soft,' 'Geometric forms,' and 'Progressive.'
Design sketches of various vehicle concepts, including front and top views, detailed components like the dashboard, and engineering annotations.

Exterior Design.

Defined through long continuous curves, the asymmetrical distribution of the glass surfaces, the flared engine housings and the angled displays create a unique but functionally justified appearance.

pulling it together

A Canvas for the City.

Depending, from which side you‘re looking at the vehicle it tells two different stories: providing rider information from the boardwalk, and mirroring the city from the other.

A modern, sleek autonomous tram or trolley bus with a white and black exterior, transparent front and side windows, a door on the side, and a digital display showing the route number 10 and destination Striseon.
Modern electric tram with white body, large front windows, and a black roof, displayed against a plain light gray background.
Front view of a modern, sleek electric tram with large windows, a central door, and a roof-mounted pantograph for connecting to overhead electric wires, set against a plain light gray background.
A mechanical arm with joints and screws, attached to a flat base.
Close-up of a modern, sleek, gray and black train with a glass window, featuring a stylized lion logo on the side, placed on neutral grey background.
Close-up of an autonomous train's sensor and camera on a white surface.
Three modern tram cars on dark background, two yellow and one white with black accents, with destination names and numbers displayed on the front. The middle car is white, and the other two are yellow.
Three yellow tram cars traveling in one direction with a black background. A silver car is travelling in the opposite direction. It is blurred indicating fast motion.

Platooning

The small vehicle units can be connected to each other to form bigger units similar to traditional tramsets.

But with their unique approach of catering to specific user groups they also have the benefit of beeing split up, to serve specific peaks regarding routing, service frequency and also which customers are transported.

Telling a Story

Interior Design

Short distance commuters

The project initially focusses on this one target group to keept the scope concise. Short distance commuters only travel a few stops and are mostly alone. They value capacity over seating.

Stylescape

By adapting the sensation of bar spaces and cafés and in particular, the bar as a place of communication, a social atmosphere can be created that is new to public transport.

A collage of five images labeled 'Commuters,' 'Hang out spot,' 'Spacious,' with photos of a woman in casual streetwear, a modern cafe interior, a bright lounge with orange and yellow accents, a stylish restaurant with curved leather seating, and a contemporary interior feature with hanging elements.
Sketches of various mechanical components and designs, including lights, sensors, and structural parts, with annotations and color highlights in yellow and red.

Final Design

Open and Safe Space

Handles attached to a floating ceiling gondola and cantilevered handrails eliminate vertical bars and create an open space. 

Handrails and standing seats are equipped with footrests to enable multiple new standing positions.

Interior Details

The large gondola covering the ceiling is indirectly lighting the space and features a pattern that also incorporates direct lighting as well as air conditioning vents. It also provides railing to the overhead handles that due to their oval profile can’t swivel but freely slide around it.

Interior of a modern city tram with yellow seats, handrails, and digital route display. Large windows show an urban landscape with buildings and trees outside.
An empty modern tram interior with seats, hanging rods, and a central door.
Interior view of a modern, empty train car with yellow seats, digital screens, and a sliding door, viewed from above.
A pole with a circular base and upright metal handlebars.
Part of the ceiling on a tram showing venting holes and details of overhead handles.
Modern seating element in a pill shape that can be used from either direction.
A pair of yellow and black overhead handles on a metal rail. The rail is oval shaped.
A modern tram moving along tracks on a street with trees and a sidewalk in the background.
A modern yellow tram with black front end, black accents, and digital displays, set against a dark background.