Design Specifications of Car body and Interiors for Bimodal Tram Vehicle

바이모달 트램 차량용 차체 및 실내의장의 설계사양

Since tram has the advantages to reduce construction cost of infrastructure, to improve accessibility of passengers, and to offer visual pleasures, nowadays, it is one of light rails attracting public attention. Tram can be classified into two groups, one is a conventional steel-wheeled type, and the other is a rubber-tired type (bi-modal tram). The bi-modal tram propelled by the serial CNG hybrid propulsion unit has been developing since 2003 in Korea, which can realize both scheduled operation of railway and route flexibility of bus. Because the bimodal will be operated on both railway mode and bus mode, however, specific criteria and regulations for its design, certification, construction, operation and maintenance have not been determined definitely yet. In consideration of mobility enhancement for the old and the handicapped, motor vehicle safety standard and urban transit (railway vehicle) safety standard, several design specifications were proposed for car body and interiors of the bimodal tram vehicle. The design specifications proposed in this paper can be expected to promote passengers' comfort and safety, operation efficiency of the bimodal tram.