Light rail, tram, metro, or BRT? Choose the transport network of tomorrow

Every transport system has its own strengths.

The tram is quiet, environmentally friendly, and ideal for short journeys with many stops. Light rail goes a step further: faster and more punctual thanks to partially dedicated tracks. Perfect for connections between the city and the outskirts. In metropolitan areas, the metro is often indispensable: fast, frequent, and completely separated from other traffic. No space or budget for a metro? In that case, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) offers a flexible alternative with dedicated lanes and priority in traffic.

A smart route makes all the difference.

A high-performance network starts with a well-considered route selection. From the very beginning, we collaborate with you on technical, spatial, and social considerations. This is how we create smooth traffic flow and sufficient space for pedestrians, cyclists, and other traffic. Examples are green tram lanes, multimodal interchanges, and smart traffic lights that prioritise trams and metros. A well-designed route increases safety, improves efficiency, and contributes to a liveable city.

Rail infrastructure requires precision.

When designing a tram or metro network, precision is paramount. You know how important exact dimensions are – especially for switches, which must be precisely positioned down to the centimetre. Track gauges also vary by region, requiring extra attention during planning and construction. Furthermore, knowledge of power supply and voltage is crucial. Modern trams sometimes need to be able to travel the last few metres on batteries, to enable you to avoid overhead lines in sensitive or historic areas. This requires a well-considered approach, from design to implementation. With the right track geometry, installations, and construction techniques, we work together to ensure sustainable, safe, and cost-efficient solutions.

Local roots, broad technical expertise.

We combine local knowledge with specialised technical know-how. Our teams work closely with city councils, transport companies, and contractors to realise projects that truly benefit the environment. From civil engineering and spatial planning to electro-mechanics, permits, and environmental impact: we bring all disciplines together under one roof. This is how we guarantee an integrated design that works in practice.

Renovate and think ahead

Outdated infrastructure requires a smart approach. Sweco provides you with support in renewing existing networks in a sustainable manner, with a focus on fire safety, evacuation, concrete renovation, as well as optimised operations. At the same time, we jointly formulate strategies with you: how can new projects strengthen or replace your network?

Digital tools as an accelerator for your mobility project

The future of public transport – and rail infrastructure in particular – is digital. We integrate the latest technologies such as BIM, 3D scanning, drones, AI-driven simulations, and satellite imagery to realise projects faster, smarter, and safer. We not only map lines, but station environments, technical installations, and passenger flows as well. This provides you with a complete picture of your network and its impact.

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