Improving tram driver visibility and pedestrian safety
Public transport operators continually look for ways to improve safety for passengers, pedestrians and drivers. Sometimes even small design features can create operational challenges that require innovative engineering solutions.
When driver feedback identified a visibility issue on modern tram platforms, Flexible Drive worked with (Alstom, née Bombardier) to develop a solution that improved driver awareness while maintaining safe and distraction-free operation.
The challenge
Drivers reported that the A-pillar LED light bar positioned alongside the tram driver's cabin could create a blind spot, making it difficult to clearly observe pedestrians crossing close to the front side of the tram.
Improving visibility in this area was critical, particularly in busy urban environments where trams operate in close proximity to pedestrians and road users.
Bombardier approached Flexible Drive to help develop a camera-based solution capable of eliminating the blind spot while meeting the operational requirements of the tram network.
The challenge extended beyond simply adding a camera. Any solution needed to:
- Provide real-time visibility of the blind spot area
- Avoid creating additional driver distraction
- Integrate with existing vehicle systems
- Meet applicable international railway standards
- Deliver reliable performance in daily service
The solution
Working closely with (Alstom, née Bombardiers) engineering team, Flexible Drive designed and developed a custom camera monitoring system specifically for the application.
The system utilised a combination of analogue camera technology and a customised display solution to provide clear, real-time visibility of the blind spot area.
A key innovation was the development of an intelligent operating strategy. The display automatically activates when the tram is operating at lower speeds, where pedestrian interaction is most likely, and switches off at higher speeds to prevent the screen becoming a distraction for the driver.
The solution delivered:
- Real-time blind spot visibility
- Enhanced pedestrian awareness
- Automatic speed-based display control
- Rapid system start-up performance
- Day and night visibility
- Seamless integration with existing tram electrical systems
To simplify installation and ensure consistency, the system was supplied as a complete kit including all hardware, mounting components, tools and installation aids.
Rapid development through engineering innovation
One of the project's key successes was the speed at which the concept moved from design to prototype.
Using in-house engineering expertise and 3D printing technology, Flexible Drive rapidly developed and tested prototype components, significantly reducing development time and accelerating approval of the final design.
The project demonstrated Flexible Drive's ability to combine multiple technologies into a complete engineered solution rather than simply supplying individual products.
The outcome
The result was a purpose-built visibility system that improved driver awareness of pedestrians operating within a critical blind spot area while maintaining a safe and distraction-free driving environment.
The project successfully combined camera technology, display systems, vehicle integration and rapid prototyping to deliver a practical solution for a real-world operational challenge.
Today, the project stands as an example of how innovative engineering and collaboration can improve public transport safety while enhancing the performance of existing vehicle platforms.
Key capabilities demonstrated
- Camera systems integration
- Rail industry engineering
- Blind spot monitoring systems
- Safety system development
- Human-machine interface design
- Rapid prototyping and 3D printing
- Electrical system integration
- Custom product development
- Transport safety solutions