The Effects of the Design Factors of the Train-Platform Interface on Pedestrian Flow Rates

Abstract

The main purpose of this research was to empirically investigate the effects of the design factors of the train-platform interface on dwell time. We chose the doorway width, the step height and the vestibule setback as design factors, and investigated their effects on the two types of pedestrian flows: boarding-dominant and alighting-dominant flows. We found that (1) a wider doorway increased the pedestrian flow rate, (2) a greater step height led to a lower flow rate, and (3) the flow rates increased as the vestibule setback increased. These results would be useful not only for designers and planners of rolling stock and station platforms, but also for developers of pedestrian simulation models.