LA Integrated Tram System | Vision 2040
The tram system for LA in 2040 is an opportunity-based project from the customer’s standpoint. It provides care for under-served groups such as lower-income families, older adults, and people with disabilities. The tram service decentralizes the current public transport system by using the space underground and improves the efficiency of the under-utilized streets and railways.
Today’s transportation in LA
- Lack of “short-trip” mental model;
- Spontaneity still needs to be enhanced -- too much space for vehicles limits mobility to "A to B";
- Compromised social activities -- excessive flexibility of the public transit system makes people lose control over their own daily schedules.
Is INCLUSIVE public transport given enough focus?
PERSONA 01
Emma Cohen (29)
Female Lead In A Lower-income Family
PERSONA 02
Debbie Amor (49)
Wheelchair User
The current public transit network fails to adequately meet the needs of those who rely on it the most.
Autonomous buses and trains are the future, but they are not solutions by themselves—they rely on social movement to achieve inclusion. The best way is to directly empower the excluded groups.
VISION 2020-2050
Towards car-lite ecosystem that improves both efficiency and subjective experience
Design Ideation
Macrosystem—regional transportation
Tram Ingress/egress
The underground tram network that connects to
the existing railway
Design Ideation
Underground pick-up zone
Design Ideation
Downtown ground-level pick-up zone
Without the station, the tram will take the elevator itself after picking up the passengers.
FINAL CONCEPT
Macrosystem
FINAL CONCEPT
Underground Train Network
Reclaim the space for more social activities, jobs and housing;
Increased visibility between layers;
Keep all pick-up locations on the ground and close to people’s desired destinations
FINAL CONCEPT
User Scenario
Space and handrails provided for wheelchair users
Tram will stop close to curbs for people with wheelchairs or baby strollers