You are here: Home » News, views and events » Press releases » An innovative solution to the problem of traffic congestion

An innovative solution to the problem of traffic congestion

19/05/2004

"We are delighted to be able to invest in such a ground-breaking idea, with such huge social and commercial potential."

Warwickshire-based Transport Design International Ltd (TDI) will develop Safeguide, an automatic, electronic steering system for use on rubber-tyred trams or people carriers thanks to an investment from NESTA's Invention & Innovation programme. This will enable the public transport systems of the future to move easily along narrow networks in historic town centres that could otherwise not accommodate a mass transit system.

The system is based around the concept of detecting low frequency signals generated through underground cables (the primary system), with the added security of a unique, high integrity secondary steering system which is designed to automatically take over from the primary system should an emergency condition be detected. Such an approach differs significantly from other forms of electronic guidance, which rely on the driver to take evasive action in the event of failure.

The Safeguide has significant advantages over other forms of guidance. It's infrastructure is virtually invisible, it is inexpensive to install, will work in nearly all weather conditions and there are no trip hazards for pedestrians.

Mark White, NESTA Director of Invention and Innovation, said:

"Electronic guidance systems could revolutionise public transport throughout the world. It is potentially cheap, reliable and virtually invisible and could offer a very real solution to traffic congestion without any adverse environmental effects. We are delighted to be able to invest in such a ground-breaking idea, with such huge social and commercial potential."

The Safeguide system is an integral part of TDI's own ultra light transport system, the zero emission Minitram, which is also double ended like a conventional tram. The Minitram system is currently being considered for use in park-and-ride and intermodal feeder type applications in environmentally sensitive areas both in the UK and overseas.

Previous TDI projects include: the interior and exterior design of the refurbished tube stock for the Piccadilly Line in the early 1990s; new trains for the Northern and Jubilee Lines; design of the fourth generation Millennium train in Sydney (below) and work on the KCRC West Rail project in Hong Kong.

Safeguide has been developed over the past two years through consultation with industry experts and Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate (HMRI). Coventry City Council have commissioned a trial of the system which is due to take place in late Spring 2004.