971585New seating approach to maximise train passenger capacityClosedSmall Business Research InitiativeInnovate UKThe challenges facing the UK’s transport infrastructure are significant and include immediate and growing capacity-related issues. For example, between 1997 and 2015, the number of UK passenger rail journeys doubled to 1.6 billion and the country’s train fleet is forecast to grow by up to 89% over 30 years. However, alongside this success story, we have growing issues of overcrowding in many of our urban and suburban transport networks, especially at peak times. As reported in the press in recent years, on some rail services, passengers are not so concerned that that they will be able to get a seat, but rather that they will be able to get on the train at all. We have developed three seating solutions. Horizon and Island Bay provide an ingenious way to help increase capacity on public transport journeys, whilst aiming to improve the passenger experience and Aerolite integrates weight saving technologies and design principles from the Aerospace industry. Horizon allows between 20-30% more seats per carriage (based on a typical commuter train), as well as increased standing space, making it an ideal solution for high density short journeys. Island Bay is a flexible seating solution that provides regular seats during off-peak, and a higher density configuration during peak hours resulting in 15-20% more seats and increased standing capacity. Island Bay is designed for longer journeys and routes with varying capacities. Aerolite is lighter, slimmer and more comfortable’ than other options. The slim profile offers more legroom or increase passenger density. Horizon, Island Bay and Aerolite will provide a mass-transport vehicle high-density seating solution, adaptable across vehicle types, and with Island Bay, configurable according to demand. All three solutions will be integrated onto a single demonstration carriage for the Inotrans 2018 show in Berlin before being taken around the UK busy stations, where it will be available for people to view and comment upon.