Tom Cheesewright’s visionary talents have been enlisted, during the year of the Railway 200 celebrations, by LNER for its ‘Train of the Future’ experience, which will be stationed at London King’s Cross from July 30 to August 1.
Mr Cheesewright, who was asked to predict what train travel could look like in 2075, said: “Imagining train travel in 50 years means thinking about everything that will be possible, such as new technologies and innovations, but also thinking about what we will want and need from the trains of the future.
“Where possibilities and need collide, we see a fantastic vision.
“The train of the future will look like a science-fiction marvel: swooping and organic, powerful and quiet.”
Concepts were developed alongside insights from a survey of 2,000 UK residents, who were asked what they would like to see on trains in 50 years’ time.
Features predicted by Mr Cheesewright include floor-to-ceiling windows providing 360-degree views of the landscape.
This could appeal to the 57 per cent of those surveyed, who (in the words of a spokesperson) “agreed that simply gazing out at the countryside is their favourite thing to do on a train.”
Mr Cheesewright’s prediction of an augmented reality layer, adding surreal scenes and gamification options, could suit the 60 per cent of those surveyed who “say they need constant entertainment whilst travelling.”
According to Mr Cheesewright, quantum computing and AI together could allow for thousands of designs to be tested at the same time, rather than one after the other, so as to make the train of the future more aerodynamic – and faster.
The futurist said: “New materials coming out of laboratories today will allow us to make these designs real, with super-stiff composites that can easily be produced in complex, organic shapes.
“Imagine slippery shapes inspired by sea creatures or birds.
“These new materials, combined with technologies like 3D printed metals, would allow for trains to be lighter, stronger, and stiffer, reaching high speeds with much less energy.”
In Mr Cheesewright’s vision, convenience would also be enhanced, with facial recognition replacing ticket barriers and travellers’ onward journeys “sorted by individual travel pods designed for platform pick-ups.”
Comfort would be redefined with smart seats that adjust to the customers’ microenvironment, setting the temperature and seat firmness from pre-saved preferences.
For those who prefer to stay active while onboard, safe standing treadmill seats could be offered.
LNER’s ‘Train of the Future’ will be open from 9am to 5pm at London King’s Cross from July 30 to August 1.
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