German design house Neomind has unveiled a concept for a “Universal Bus” that places inclusivity at the heart of public transport design (pictured).
The concept was revealed at The Transport Design Forum 2025, held in London last week, hosted by coach and bus flooring manufacturer Altro, in partnership with Camira, AutoGlym, and Autistica.
The event brought together operators, designers and neurodivergent advocates to address overlooked accessibility barriers faced by passengers with sensory and cognitive challenges.
Th unveiling of the Universal Bus was a key moment for the forum, with Neomind presenting a concept for London built around flexible, passenger-focused spaces.
Based on a Mercedes Citaro, the design includes designated quiet, family and priority zones (sectioned into red, green and blue) improved real-time passenger information, and carefully selected materials that manage acoustics and sensory comfort.
Altro says it hopes the vehicle will serve as inspiration to operators such as Transport for London in designing more inclusive buses.
“This forum marked a pivotal moment in acknowledging the vast neurodivergent community and the critical need to design public transport that genuinely serves ‘for all,’ as the word ‘bus’ (from omnibus) truly implies,” says Chris Edwards-Thorne, Marketing Manager – Global Transport at Altro. “The insights shared, particularly the direct feedback from the neurodivergent community, will guide our collective efforts to build more welcoming, less stressful, and truly accessible transport systems.”
More information on the Transport Design Forum will be available in the July 2025 issue of routeone.
