Inflatable train seat design gives commuters 40% more space
The futuristic railcar interior, likened to a ‘bouncy castle’ by the designers, was developed as part of a train rolling stock design competition.
Arup
Arup
LONDON — A train in which seats are deflated in the rush hour to make more room for passengers has been designed for Network Rail as a solution for overcrowding on busy commuter lines, the Daily Mail reported.
The futuristic carriage has been likened to a ‘bouncy castle’ by the designers, who say it will have 40% more space for people than on current trains, the report said. The interior floor, walls, ceiling, windows and seats are formed from a continuous ‘cloud skin,’ which houses all the functions required in a train interior, including seating, lighting and variable-temperature air-conditioning.
Arup
The ‘air train’ could be a reality by 2020, according to Arup, the design and engineering consultancy behind the project, according to the Daily Mail. Arup collaborated with Nikken Sekkei on a feasibility study of an alternative approach to commuter train interiors as part of the RIBA ‘Tomorrow’s Train Design Today’ competition, which fosters innovation in train rolling stock design.
For the full story, click here.
More Rail
Amtrak, CN Reach Agreements to Strengthen Passenger Rail Service, Safety
The agreement resolves a more than decade-long proceeding before the Surface Transportation Board concerning the terms and conditions for Amtrak services, such as the City of New Orleans, Illini/Saluki, and Wolverine.
Read More →
New York MTA Advances Final Contract for Second Avenue Subway Expansion
Contract Four is the largest in the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project and includes construction of station infrastructure, tracks, and signals for the subway expansion, MTA officials said. Work on Contract Four will begin in 2027.
Read More →
San Diego MTS Breaks Monthly Trolley Ridership Record
Agency officials said July’s ridership indicates MTS’s continued recovery from the pandemic.
Read More →
Report Examines NJ TRANSIT Reliability, Funding Challenges
The Garden State Initiative analysis examines the roles of Amtrak infrastructure, fleet management, and agency operations while recommending a more performance-based approach to improving reliability.
Read More →
Stadler, CapMetro Sign Long-Term Rail Fleet Support Agreement
Beginning in 2027, Stadler will provide on-site technical expertise, spare parts support, training, and obsolescence management to help extend the reliability and longevity of CapMetro’s GTW fleet.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Alstom Lands Canadian Contract, LYT to Supply California TSP, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Complete Coach Works, Beep, FlixBus, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
CATS Gold Line Marks 5 Years of Service, 2.8M Passenger Trips
With a six-mile expansion planned, the Charlotte streetcar is positioned to connect more neighborhoods and major transit hubs across the region.
Read More →
Why Simulating Pedestrian Movement Has Become Essential for Modern Rail Stations
Pedestrian microsimulation is helping rail planners identify bottlenecks, test station designs, and prepare complex transit hubs for growing passenger volumes.
Read More →
Amtrak Begins Major Construction at New York’s Sunnyside Yard
The new maintenance facility will support Amtrak’s Airo trainsets while improving maintenance efficiency and turnaround times in New York.
Read More →
Chicago Leaders Unveil Plans for O’Hare Airport Express Train
The privately developed project would offer a 15-minute trip between downtown and O’Hare’s Terminal 2, with trains operating every 15 minutes on a dedicated track. The service would use battery-electric trains and three existing freight rail rights-of-way.
Read More →