From Black Mesa: Wiki

The Tram as seen in Black Mesa.

Overview

The Inbound Tram, part of the Black Mesa Transit System, is an automated train car that transports passengers to many sectors of the Black Mesa Research Facility. It runs on a single eletric rail that can work both overhead and underneath of the tram car.

Different from the freight tram, the Inbound Tram is equipped with seats, windows, an electric door, and loudspeakers where a pre-recorded female voice explains its function and relays other relevant informations to the train's riders.

The Tram is featured in the chapters Inbound and End Game.

Gameplay

The tram gives the player an opportunity to see an overview of the Black Mesa facility from the very start of the game and it allows the developers a chance to showcase some of the level design which will be seen in more detail later on in the game, it also acts to restrict the players movements and actions during level transitions preventing them from reaching areas which are undeveloped, this adds to the effect of making the levels seem vaster than they actually are.

Tram Announcement Transcription

Follow a transcription of the recorded message that Gordon Freeman hears while riding the tram toward Sector C Test Labs [1]:

"Good morning, and welcome to the Black Mesa transit system. This automated train is provided for the security and convenience of the Black Mesa Research Facility personnel. The time is 8:47 A.M. Current topside temperature is 93 degrees with an estimated high of 105. The Black Mesa compound is maintained at a pleasant 68 degrees at all times. This train is inbound from level 3 dormitories to sector C test labs and control facilities. If your intended destination is a high security area beyond sector C, you will need to return to the central transit hub in area 9 and board a high security train. If you have not yet submitted your identity to the retinal clearance system, you must report to Black Mesa personnel for processing before you will be permitted into the high security branch of the transit system.

Due to the high toxicity of material routinely handled in the Black Mesa compound, no smoking, eating, or drinking are permitted within the Black Mesa transit system. Please keep your limbs inside the train at all times. Do not attempt to open the doors until the train has come to a complete halt at the station platform. In the event of an emergency, passengers are to remain seated and await further instruction. If it is necessary to exit the train, disabled personnel should be evacuated first. Please, stay away from electrified rails and proceed to an emergency station until assistance arrives.

A reminder to all Black Mesa personnel: regular radiation and biohazard screenings are a requirement of continued employment in the Black Mesa Research Facility. Missing a scheduled urinalysis or radiation checkup is grounds for immediate termination. If you feel you have been exposed to radioactive or other hazardous materials in the course of your duties, contact your radiation safety officer immediately. Work safe, work smart. Your future depends on it.

Do you have a friend or relative who would make a valuable addition to the Black Mesa Team? Immediate openings are available in the areas of: materials handling, and low clearance security. Please contact Black Mesa personnel for further information. If you have an associate with a background in the areas of: theoretical physics, biotechnology, or other high-tech disciplines, please contact our civilian recruiting division. The Black Mesa Facility is an equal opportunity employer.

A reminder: that the Black Mesa Hazard Course decathlon will commence this evening at 1900 hours in the Level 3 facility. The semi-finals for high security personnel will be announced in a separate secure acess transmission. Remember: more lives than yours may depend on your fitness.

Now arriving at Sector C Test Labs and control facilities. Please stand back from the automated door, and wait for the security officer to verify your identity. Before exiting the train, be sure to check your area for personal belongings. Thank you, and have a very safe and productive day."

Media

An exterior view of the inbound tram from another angle. A tram in Sector C Dormatories. A view from inside the tram. A scientist views the schedules of arriving and departing trams while a tram transports scientists to their destination. More

Redesign History

Wireframe of the tram model.	Texture for the exterior of the tram.	Texture for the interior of the tram.	More recent normal map for the interior of the tram.
Concept art for the tram.