PeachLink
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.
Design Role
Industrial Designer
Team
Maria Paula Hernandez
Gabrielle Smith
Abigail Thompson
Contribution
Interior Tram Design
Map System
Community Outreach
Skills
Research Methods
Systems Thinking
Urban Systems Research
Tools
SolidWorks
Keyshot
Adobe Suite
Vizcom
In this project, our team of four industrial designers came together to reimagine public transportation in Metro-Atlanta. With an easily replicable modular system in mind, we developed a transportation system, possible routes, and integration plans for a more united Atlanta.
As an industrial designer focusing on community building, I spearheaded the social cohesion, accessibility features, and interior design elements. Our solution offers dependable transportation, enabling the freedom to explore Atlanta while making meaningful connections, one stop at a time.
Media
With Atlanta’s population projected to grow by over 1.8 million people by 2050, traffic congestion, limited parking, and insufficient transit will worsen.
Problem
Response
a scalable light-rail system, aiding in decongestion and seamless accessibility
streamlined map system, strengthening inner-city connectivity
How might we design a scalable and reliable transit system that strengthens community connections while preparing Atlanta for future expansion?
Exploration
moodboards
rapid prototyping
Materials
UBQ 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 solar glass- windows and roof
Southern Polyurethanes’ eco-friendly paint- cabin exterior
Georgia Power solar-powered LED
interior and exterior lighting
PeachLink: Your Link to Atlanta
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
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.
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.
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.
