Designworks USA,  a BMW subsidiary, is helping the the Malaysian government’s plan to encourage the city’s growing population to use public transport by designing plush new trains for the brand new three-line metro system in the city of Kuala Lumpur.

Siemens asked DesignworksUSA to help on the innovative Metro Inspiro, to develop the design for the new underground passenger trains. A total of 58 trains will be in service as of 2017 on one of the most frequented lines of the city. The new Metro system will incorporate energy-efficient LED lighting, recyclable stainless steel cars, and an aesthetically pleasing mix of futuristic feature. When operational the driverless trains will be in service allowing a frequency of one train every 3.5 minutes during peak hours. Each four-car trainset will have a capacity of 1.200 passengers improving the daily ridership target of the operator. The train design also takes into consideration the needs of disabled people: Six specific areas in each train are equipped with hand-rails which offer sufficient space to allow wheelchair-bound passengers to be seated in their rides. The doors will emit a beeping sound and light to guide disabled passengers when the train doors are closing and opening.

Identity was a key driver in the design development of the new Metro Inspiro for Kuala Lumpur: The cityscape is characterized by a mixture of cultures and religions manifested in a rich architectural diversity. Tradition and progress are at the heart of the people’s pride and self confidence and also inspired the design concept for the new metro. Under the name “Guiding Light” the design of the Metro Inspiro takes a bow to the rich heritage of Kuala Lumpur and makes a strong statement towards the future.  A metropolis’ identity is notably determined by the quality and visual impression of its local public transport system.

“The exterior design is a bold statement of dynamism and strength. It symbolizes self confidence, technological leadership, progress and safety,” says Laurenz Schaffer, President of BMW Group DesignworksUSA. The light concept in the front of the train bears a strong graphical character. It is a reference to the facetted architecture of the capital. In the train interior the interplay of past and future continues: The lively colour concept with varying shades of blue and traditional symmetrical patterns is a fresh interpretation of the vitality and cultural diversity of Kuala Lumpur. Color contrasts in the door areas help guide passengers and enable an easy entrance or exit. The train interior features an LED lighting system. The use of indirect light beneath the seats creates a feeling of spaciousness and safety and enables easy maintenance of the trains.

The new metro for Kuala Lumpur also has a convincing environmental record:
The trains which have a 30-year life-cycle are approximately 95 percent recyclable. They consist of light weight stainless steel car bodies, weight-optimized components and employ highly efficient air conditioning and lighting systems which substantially reduce energy costs.