Bombardier Vlocity VL80

The VLocity-VL80 is a fleet extension to support growing public transport demand in regional Victoria. The vehicle needed to be visually connected with its predecessor whilst making functional improvements in respect of disability access, driver interfaces and safety performance. The cab-exterior was redesigned for compliance to modern vehicle crash-safety standards. Internally, improvements to the driver’s facilities derived from Human-factors and driver recommendations. The saloon interior, requirements were led by feedback from disability groups and passengers of existing vehicle configurations. The redesign required relocation of several wheelchair positions, reintroduction of a standard toilet facility, new seat fabrics and widened entry doors.

Development of the exterior nose-cone and drivers’ facilities went through extensive workshops due to the significant physical changes for the crash-management system. In partnership with Swinburne University, Bombardier, DOT and V/line conducted a series of driver workshops utilising virtual-reality (VR) and augmented-reality (AR) to validate and fine tune the design. Providing the validation to proceed rapidly to production without costly full-scale mock-up stages. For the saloon interior, design development focused on the required improvements whilst optimising capacity and overall ease of access for passengers. The VLocity-VL80 addresses over 1000 specific project requirements whilst fulfilling 47 Australian and International standards.

VLocity-VL80 provides enhanced and customised public transport link specific to the needs of its regional travellers providing increased inclusivity and amenities whilst increasing safety for drivers, staff and passengers. Passive crash safety improvements provide benefits including survival space within the cab/saloon, limiting deceleration and limiting derailments caused by collision. The value of public transport, specifically trains is well understood in respect of environmental impact during service, Bombardier constantly pushes to improve its performance regarding the full product life-cycle. With a typical life span exceeding 30 years consideration is given to optimising for assembly, multiple midlife refurbishments, end of life disassembly.

The geometry of the cab was elongated for improved crash performance. Significant modifications resulting from these improvements include a wider windscreen incorporated as a new standardised component, redesigned light housings, aerodynamic enhancements of the form. An aero-edge incorporated into the apex of the pillars and roofline addresses drag, external noise at the front end and was developed internally through Bombardiers engineering specialists in aerodynamics and thermodynamics. These elements have been incorporated into a restyling of the exterior which is respectful and aligned to its iconic predecessor in terms of aesthetic intent and livery Bombardier partnered with Swinburne University to project a virtual cab in a 3D room, augmenting with physical components such as the driver’s seat and elements of the console. The information from the exercise was used to inform design development within the drivers cab facility and validate sight line requirements. The vehicles crash management system has been designed to industry best practice (European crash safety standard EN 15227). The requirements cover passive safety of the vehicle, including maintaining survival space, limiting deceleration and derailments. The interior layout changes provides more space and consideration for access, egress and manoeuvrability–actively responding to feedback of disability groups, industry stakeholders and passengers