Abstract: As the track foundation, subgrade is an important factor to ensure the stability and safety of tram operation vehicles. However, there are no uniform design standards and structural forms in China yet. Through statistical analysis of the survey data related to tram subgrade design standards all over China, then according to theoretical analysis and simulation calculation, the optimum subgrade form and design parameters are obtained, which are applied to the new tram test section project in Haizhu Ring Island of Guangzhou and the research results are verified. The economic and applicable design criteria proposed for tram subgrade provide a reference for similar projects.