A case study on platform-train interface occurrences at a metrorail passenger station

Abstract

Incidents at the Platform-Train Interface (PTI) account for the majority of incidents occurring at train stations in South Africa. The precursors of these incidents are attributed to human behaviour and platform design. One of the main aspects of platform design is the gap size between the train and the platform. Previous research has shown no clear correlation between the gap size and accident occurrence frequency; however, the presence of a large gap creates an opportunity for PTI incidents to occur when coupled with other human behavioural stress factors. An observation survey was carried out at Rissik Station (Pretoria) to determine the influence of the gap size on passenger behaviour. The results of the observations suggested that the gap size did not have an influence on passenger behaviour. However, the study identified that a lack of information dissemination through adequate communication, overcrowding and train design were the three main stress factors that could result in PTI incidents at Rissik station. These stress factors combined with a significant gap size, are believed to result in PTI incidents occurring at train stations