Reducing Boarding and Alighting Accident Rates on Mixed High and Low Platform Railroad Lines through Car and Station Design

Abstract

Analysis of actual accident experience in the United States from 1995 to 2000 has revealed that railroad commuter services using a combination of high and low level platforms exhibit a higher injury rate in boarding and alighting accidents than systems with either all high or all low platforms. This paper examines the safety features of these different types of station platforms and the corresponding railroad car entranceways used on these systems. New designs that would incorporate features of the lower accident rate high level only or low level only systems are identified and examined. Estimates of the reduction in the number of injuries that would result from use of these designs are made. The connection to other important performance features impacted by the designs are briefly considered, including cost, speed, meeting Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, and compatibility with freight service. Conclusions regarding the incorporation of boarding and alighting accident considerations in the evaluation of the various car and platform design options as rail passenger lines are upgraded or new services introduced are presented.