Very Light Rail2023-03-21T14:47:41+00:00

VERY LIGHT RAIL (VLR)

Very Light Rail is the next generation of mass transport, offering a ground breaking transport system that can be delivered at a more cost-effective price than equivalent heavy rail alternatives.

PRODUCTS

TECHNOLOGY

VERY LIGHT RAIL STORY

Transport Design International is at the forefront of lightweighting technology in the road and rail industry. We coined the original name ‘very light rail’ when we started working on our first lightweight self-propelled rail vehicle, which is now recognised as the rail industry standard description for lightweight rail cars. We are proud of our part in the story of very light rail and the expertise and knowledge that we have amassed over the years and brought to the sector.

Very Light Rail in the Rail Eco-system

In the last three years, TDI has expanded our build capability (LMC) to deliver these vehicle programmes and we are currently in the process of scaling up capacity and developing the Rail Eco-system to support growth in this emerging sector.

grey train concept

2003-2005

Guided battery powered road tram prototype developed with Coventry City Council

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2008-2010

TDI develops Al-Hoota (Oman) bespoke ‘very light rail’ project.

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Front of a white train

2011-2013

TDI develops next generation Personal Rapid Transit (“PRT”) vehicle called Vectus.

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2014-2016

TDI develops Konya (Turkey) award-winning bespoke ‘very light rail’ project.

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2018-2021

TDI heads up ‘Revolution VLR Consortium’ to develop sustainable, ‘very light rail’ technology and deliver demonstrator vehicle

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Front of a silver train

2019-2021

TDI secures contract to supply urban VLR vehicle for Coventry City Council

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2021

Launch of Revolution VLR & Coventry VLR vehicles

2022

Launching the new Lync VLR vehicle, our next generation product for urban environments

OUR VLR PRODUCTS

We have 3 product platforms for our very light rail (VLR) and lightweight road vehicles. They are all designed to operate on segregated systems.

blue train render

REVOLUTION VLR

It facilitates low-cost connectivity of regional and rural areas. And so, a range of power units for the vehicle are in development including diesel-hybrid; electric and hydrogen power source

dark grey render

LYNC™

It is a spacious, long distance, zero-emissions transport vehicle with excellent manoeuvrability for urban locations. It is lightweight, bidirectional and includes very fast opportunity charging allowing 24-hour service.

dark grey tram render

ORBIT™

It’s a high-capacity, single car vehicle with four-wheel steering to facilitate tight turning circles and operation in confined spaces.

TECHNOLOGY

LIGHTWEIGHT

Lower weight of the vehicle

Reduced construction time

Lower power requirements

MODULAR DESIGN

Flexibility and Configuration

Different interior configurations

Multiple propulsion system options

Freight variant available

ENVIROMENTAL & ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY

Savings on

Build and infrastructure costs

Ongoing maintenance costs

Life management costs

TECHNOLOGY

LIGHTWEIGHT

  • Lower weight of the vehicle

  • Reduced construction time

  • Lower power requirements

MODULAR DESIGN

  • Flexibility

  • Configuration

    Different interior configurations
    Multiple propulsion system options
    Freight variant available

ENVIROMENTAL & ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY

  • Savings in build and infrastructure costs

  • Savings on ongoing maintenance costs

  • Savings on life management costs

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