The Universal Bus concept, which has been drawn up by safety flooring expert Altro and industrial design specialist Neomind, has been named Platinum Winner 2025 in the Public Transportation and Mass Transit category at the Architecture Collection (ADCA) Awards.
That accolade recognises the Universal Bus concept for its design quality and adaptability, with Altro noting how the project sets “a new benchmark for truly inclusive and sustainable public transport solutions worldwide.”
It was unveiled at the London Design Forum in June and has already been recognised with silver at the London Design Awards in the Conceptual Design in Mobility category.
Underpinning the Universal Bus concept is the approach that inclusivity, accessibility and comfort shape every journey, with a remodelling of the bus interior to introduce distinct and intuitive spaces that directly respond to real passenger needs.
Those include a dedicated quiet zone for those who prefer a less stimulating environment, a family area to make travelling more engaging for children, and clearly marked priority seating to ensure that passengers with specific requirements always feel safe and supported.
Neurodivergent travellers are considered throughout the design, and large, easy-to-read passenger information screens are placed throughout the Universal Bus concept.
Materials have been chosen to improve comfort and atmosphere, with acoustic and thermal insulation reducing background noise and aiding temperature regulation. As a result, the space is what Altro calls “welcoming, balanced, and supportive for everyone on board.”
Speaking about the latest award, Altro Global Transport Marketing Manager Chris Edwards-Thorne says: “Winning this Platinum ADCA Award is fantastic, especially because it validates our core mission: using materials to create truly inclusive public spaces.
“The Universal Bus concept is not just about safety and durability; it is about how our products enable the creation of those calm, supportive environments. The quiet zones and the clearer pathways make a massive difference, especially for neurodivergent passengers. It proves that human-centred design is the future of transport.”
Adds Neomind Director of Customer Experience Kasia Foljanty: “We really wanted to challenge the status quo with the Universal Bus. It is no longer enough just to move people; we have to move them comfortably and confidently.
“By designing distinct zones such as the quiet zone and the family area, we are ensuring every type of passenger is catered for. This Platinum Award sends a clear message that inclusive design, focused initially on removing barriers for neurodivergent users, ultimately creates a better, more attractive journey for absolutely everyone.”
