Altro is proud to announce that its groundbreaking “Universal Bus” interior concept has been awarded a prestigious London Design Award in the Conceptual Design in Mobility category.
This significant recognition highlights Altro’s commitment to neuroinclusive design, as the concept competed against innovative entries from across the mobility sector following its debut at the Transport Design Forum 2025.
The concept – developed as a response to the challenges faced by neurodivergent passengers – has been created in a collaboration between Altro Global Transport and renowned German design house Neomind. The award was granted in recognition of the concept’s exceptional consideration for accessibility, passenger experience, and inclusive design principles.
The innovative interior addresses the needs of the UK’s estimated 9.7 million neurodivergent individuals—equivalent to 15% of the population. Research presented at the Transport Design Forum revealed that 91% of neurodivergent individuals are impacted by noise during travel, while 83% report significant barriers from the effort required for journeys.
Chris Edwards-Thorne, Global Marketing Manager at Altro, expressed his enthusiasm: “Neuroinclusivity isn’t a design feature to add later – it’s a design foundation to build upon from the start. This award validates our commitment to creating transport solutions that are genuinely accessible and considerate of the diverse needs of all individuals.”
Kasia Foljanty, Director of Customer Experience at Neomind, added: “Working with Altro allowed us to create a design that goes beyond traditional accessibility models. We’ve addressed the ‘invisible’ sensory and cognitive challenges that represent the vast majority of accessibility needs in public transport. This concept proves that universal design benefits everyone.”
The Universal Bus concept stands out for its ability to blend neuroinclusive features with practical benefits. Key elements include distinct quiet zones for passengers requiring calm environments, enhanced information systems with strategically placed screens, acoustic optimization through carefully selected materials, and sensory considerations including appropriate colour palettes and multi-sensory wayfinding elements.
Altro’s innovative approach demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform the travel experience for neurodivergent passengers while benefiting all users, making it an ideal solution for modern inclusive transportation environments.
