Operators of light rail tend to look at the functionality and technique of their vehicles. Items taken into account are e.g. the speed of the vehicle, the seating capacity, the dimensions, the train floor height and the amount of doors. “The perception of the passenger should get more attention”, argues Mette Klaversma on behalf of Strukton Rolling Stock at the Lightrail conference held in Nieuwegein.

Perception includes aspects such as lighting, colours, materials, smell, sound and manners. Minor adjustments of those aspects may lead to an entirely different perception. As such, a matching perception can be created for each individual light rail section. Klaversma believes that vehicles will be more attractive for the passenger if the perception is considered in the design. As a consequence, passengers will be inclined to return to the vehicle. Which of course is an advantage for the operator.

Klaversma examined the passenger group of ‘students’ and their perception as an example and proposes changes in the vehicle design for this group: make room for high tables where they can stand, with atmospheric lighting, trendy upholstery and background music. This will give students a positive perception and will enable them to talk in a relaxed, trendy environment without the feeling that they are wasting their time.