Novel seating systems to enable flexible use passenger trains allowing high-value freight transport

42 Technology has been named as one of three companies to be awarded a share of a £2.2m development fund. This was in recognition of its innovative Adaptable Carriage concept.

The funding was made available through the Tomorrow’s Train Design Today (TTDT) competition run in association with the Department for Transport.

This is allowing us to continue to develop our innovative design concept for a new generation of passenger rolling stock.

The competition was intended to identify ‘long-term horizon designs for rolling stock that push the envelope of what can be delivered’.  This against the industries strategic objectives of reducing cost and carbon emissions while increasing capacity and customer satisfaction.

Incredibly impressed with how far you’ve come in such a short time. The standard of the technology feasibility, mechanical design, and market feasibility really gave us confidence in the concept.

Ultimate flexibility

Our concept is for the installation of sliding-seats which can be deployed as usual during peak hours when trains are full of commuters.

However, during off-peak periods when utilisation is low, seats can be collapsed down to one end of the carriage. This creates a large, flexible space for the transportation of luggage or goods.

The concept therefore uses unutilised space to deliver a high-speed service that could see delivery times to remote parts of the UK slashed, same-day and next-day order deadlines pushed back, and a new route to market for regional SME producers.

We are currently building a full-sized demonstration unit for exhibition at leading rail industry shows throughout 2017 which we will be using to help create a consortium of builders, operators, logistics companies and retailers to apply for further funding to take the technology to the rails.

Quality wins the day

The judging panel also specifically praised 42 Technology for the quality of its development work. The strength of its presentation setting out the commercial and technical feasibility of their approach was also praised.

Judges included directors and senior managers from leading UK transport operator FirstGroup and train leasing specialist Angel Trains. Also, train manufacturer Hitachi and the Design Council.

If you would like to find out more please contact us:
answers@42T.com | +44 (0)1480 302700