Influence of Pedestrian Density on the Use of the Danger Zone at Platforms of Train Stations

Jasmin Thurau, J.P.A. van den Heuvel*, Nicolas Keusen, Marcel van Ofwegen, S.P. Hoogendoorn

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

Abstract

Due to rapid rail passenger growth in the last years, crowding challenges have risen at several stations in Switzerland and The Netherlands. Particularly at platforms, safety risks can increase when a station is operated near or at pedestrian capacity during peak times. Passengers are observed to cross the safety line at busy platforms when a train is due to arrive. From our daily practice, we expect high densities to be one of the main factors driving use of the danger zone at platforms of train stations. Some previous academic research has also addressed pedestrian densities at the platforms to be one of the factors driving the involuntary use of the danger zone. By using stereo sensors to track persons on a platform in Bern (Switzerland) as well as in Utrecht Centraal (The Netherlands) we were able to show that the use of the danger zone is related to the pedestrian density but also to other factors like obstacles on the platform. An additional survey conducted in Switzerland showed that the persons interviewed were not always aware of their use of the danger zone. Risks are not always clear.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication International Conference on Traffic and Granular Flow
Subtitle of host publicationTGF 2017: Traffic and Granular Flow '17
EditorsSamer H. Hamdar
PublisherSpringer
Pages287-296
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)ISBN 978-3-030-11440-4
ISBN (Print)ISBN 978-3-030-11439-8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
EventTGF 2017: Traffic & Granular Flow - George Washington University, Washington, United States
Duration: 19 Jul 201722 Jul 2017
https://tgf17.gwu.edu/

Conference

ConferenceTGF 2017
Abbreviated titleTGF 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityWashington
Period19/07/1722/07/17
Internet address

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