PeachLink: Your Link to Atlanta
PeachLink is a forward-thinking transportation system designed for Atlanta, blending the best features of light rails and trams into a versatile, eco-friendly, and highly accessible solution. It aims to offer dependable transportation, enabling the freedom to explore Atlanta while making meaningful connections, one stop at a time.
Project Summary
Currently, Atlanta’s only form of public transit is the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). One branch, the Atlanta Streetcar, serves part of the downtown area, but it experiences low ridership due to its limited speed, cost, and coverage.
With Atlanta’s population projected to grow by over 1.8 million by 2050, traffic congestion, limited parking, and insufficient transit will only worsen: How might we design a scalable transit system that connects communities and prepares Atlanta for future growth?
Goal
To create a comprehensive transit system serving Midtown and Downtown Atlanta, considering not just the interior and exterior design of the vehicle, but also its routing, scheduling, long-term maintenance, and overall rider experience. zthe system should offer relisable, well-balanced mode of transportation that connects communities with ease, frequency, and adaptability to the city’s evolving needs
Process and Exploration
Sarah Thongsouk
Elle Pylate
Maria Paula Hernandez
Abigail Thompson
Team
Duration
10 weeks
Tools
Figma
SolidWorks
Keyshot
AI integration
Skills
Design Research
Rapid Prototyping
Service Design
Inspiration
PeachLink’s retrofuturistic design merges sleek modernism with nostalgic elements, inspired by transit systems in cities like Tokyo, Paris, New York, and Seattle.
Materials
UBQ’s wood composite- seating, walls, and floor
UBQ x Teknor Apex thermoplastic elastomer- padded seat backs and buttons
Novelis’ recycled aluminum- walls and ceiling accents
Ubiquitous Energy’s solar glass- windows and roof
Southern Polyurethanes’ eco-friendly paint- cabin exterior
Georgia Power’s solar-powered LED lights- interior and exterior lighting
Rapid Prototyping
Without access to full user testing, we used creative workarounds such as taping scaled layouts on walls and placing chairs to simulate real interactions and gather meaningful feedback.
Low-floor feature
PeachLink’s low-floor design sits level with the sidewalk, and an extending platform deploys automatically to create a seamless, accessible connection for travelers with strollers, luggage, or mobility aids. Its extra-wide 1.5-meter doors (compared to the standard 1.3 meters) make boarding easier for all body types and support efficient entry for maintenance and cleaning equipment, reinforcing our commitment to cleanliness and accessibility.
AI Integration
PeachLink’s exterior smart cameras use AI to detect passenger needs and trigger personalized interior settings before boarding, creating a tailored transit experience. Its fully self-driving system, powered by advanced AI and sensors, ensures safety and reliability by reducing human error and maintaining optimal driving conditions.
Seating Configuration
PeachLink’s right-side seats fold up like movie theater seats to create more standing room during busy hours, with leaning cushions for added comfort. Across from them, fixed C-shaped seats offer a more relaxed option for longer commutes.
Accessibility and Convenience
Each seat offers generous legroom, solar-powered outlets, and secure bag storage, with overhead space for larger items and smart-glass windows that showcase city landmarks in real time. Accessibility is prioritized through door-adjacent seating, light and floor cues, and AI-powered vacancy alerts, while QR codes and tap-to-pay stations ensure a seamless, intuitive boarding experience.
Community Building
PeachLink connects neighborhoods across Atlanta, encouraging exploration through fast, efficient transit and public art as each hub wrapped in work by local artists selected through an annual competition. Onboard displays share real-time news, events, and nearby attractions, turning each ride into a window into the city and a platform for community connection.