Back to the Future for Melbourne Trams
07 March 2006 10:29
ALSTOM Transport and United Group Rail will today announce a major initiative with Victorian universities, inviting industrial design students to develop futuristic designs for the Citadis tram which could serve the people of Melbourne in the year 2020.
Student designs in the LightRail Toward 2020 competition need to take into account Melbourne's future needs outlined in the Melbourne 2030 Plan, considering issues like environmental sustainability and improved access for elderly and disabled travellers.
Students will also compete for an exciting two-month, all-expenses paid internship at the ALSTOM Headquarters Design Studio in Paris, where the winners will work with and be mentored by some of ALSTOM's top industrial designers. The competition will form part of the industrial design syllabus in many of the universities, and departments of the winning students will also receive design equipment prizes.
ALSTOM Customer Director in Australia, Christophe Gourlay, said today: "Given the rich history of Melbourne's trams, ALSTOM is delighted to sponsor LightRail Toward 2020 with its Australian partner United Group Rail and for the chance to provide this opportunity for Victoria's designers of tomorrow. The students' vision will shape the future of the Citadis tram, which could form part of Melbourne's light rail future, and help ensure tram travel remains one of Melbourne's preferred forms of transport."
LightRail Toward 2020 will be co-ordinated by lab.3000, Victoria's centre for excellence in design and innovation. Associate Professor Di Fleming, Director of lab.3000, said: "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Victoria's young designers. We are grateful for the support of Alstom and Australian rail icon United Group Rail and delighted that the students will have the chance to benefit from the experience of a renowned international organisation like ALSTOM. It would be wonderful to see a new generation Citadis fleet designed by a local student to meet the needs of Melbourne's travelling public."
ALSTOM's Citadis was the first low-floor tram introduced to the streets of Melbourne in 2001. A transport leader in many major cities around the world including Paris, Rotterdam and Dublin, the Citadis is known for its modern appearance, spacious interiors and superior access for disabled travellers. Operated by Yarra Trams in Melbourne, the current fleet of 36 Citadis trams runs exclusively on route 109 between Box Hill and Port Melbourne, facilitating approximately 14.5 million passenger trips last year.
A briefing session for industrial design students will be held tonight at the ANZ Pavilion in The Arts Centre, from 6.30pm-9.00pm. Submissions close on 21 July 2006, with the top ten finalists exhibiting their designs in October. The final winner will be announced at the end of October.
For more information on this company:
ALSTOM - Very High Speed, Intercity and Surburban Trains
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