Bombardier A-City Electric Train
Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) vehicle, Adelaide, Australia
Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) vehicle, Adelaide, Australia
Using the successful and proven Bombardier Vlocity vehicle (currently in operation in regional Victoria, Australia) as a base platform, the design was refreshed and refined for Adelaide conditions.
Interior and exterior components and assemblies were redesigned for the local environment and users; to cater for suburban passengers, to reduce production costs and offer improved maintenance; all characterised by more modern, sharper styling.
Interior and exterior components and assemblies were redesigned for the local environment and users; to cater for suburban passengers, to reduce production costs and offer improved maintenance; all characterised by more modern, sharper styling.
2nd generation electric vehicle: Bombardier A-City tender design
1st generation diesel vehicle: Bombardier's successful Vlocity, used as a base platform from which the A-City design was adapted and refined
In creating the concept for the interior and exterior design, Adelaide’s built environment, surrounds and existing public transport were investigated for inspiration; as well as the intended public perception of the new electrified vehicles.
To ensure the tendered vehicle price was competitive with internationally manufactured, ‘budget’ rail manufacturers, a drastic cost-cutting exercise was necessary. This involved thorough investigation and design improvements to reduce maintenance time and expense, as well as manufacturing costs.
Taking 3D data for necessary structural, propulsion and other equipment; the interior and exterior surface model was created using Autodesk Alias software.
Tendered design in traditional Adelaide livery
he interior design aimed to maintain a familiarity to existing vehicles within the TransAdelaide public transport system (buses, trams and trains) - including the refurbished 3000 Class vehicles, taking into account lessons learnt from this previous Bombardier project.
Chosen Adelaide livery design (at time of tender, 2011)
Few alterations were required to the tender design, for it to go into production and service in 2014.
