Manual to Improve Rail Transit Safety at Platform/Vehicle and Platform/Guideway Interfaces (2017)

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64 Introduction Rail transit operational procedures and programs are important for improving the safety of the platform/guideway and platform/vehicle interfaces. Rail operations, public relations, marketing, education, and outreach are often administrative units within rail transit organizations that manage many of the procedures and programs that affect safety at the platform/guideway and platform/vehicle interfaces. This chapter describes (a) operational procedures for curved plat- forms because they are considered to have the highest platform/guideway and platform/vehicle safety risk and (b) public outreach, marketing, and education programs that are designed to improve safety at the platform/guideway and platform/vehicle interfaces. Operational Treatments for Curved Platforms There are three operational treatments that affect safety at the platform/vehicle interface for curved platforms: • Zoning off car regimes • Platform surveillance • Platform and station personnel Zoning Off Cars Zoning off cars is a treatment that is used exclusively for commuter and intercity rail transit. Zoning off cars is used at stations with extremely curved platforms where horizontal gaps at the end sections or at the middle section exceed 10 to 12 in. A study in the UK in 2004 noted that the combination of vertical plus horizontal gap should not exceed 12 in. or 300 mm at any door location (44). The LIRR and the Staten Island Railway as well as other intercity and commuter rail systems use a zonal door vehicle system at extremely curved stations. At convex curved platforms, the end doors are kept closed and, at concave curved platforms, the center doors are kept closed. Train positioning is also used to reduce excessive gaps. At certain platforms, the train stopping location is adjusted so that fewer doors have significant gaps. For example, cars were “zoned” at specific platforms so that only doors with a safe gap distance would open. While this eliminated many of the excessive gaps, it created longer dwell times and greater passenger inconvenience Operational Treatments and Modifications of Passenger Behavior to Improve Safety at Platform/Guideway and Platform/ Vehicle Interfaces C H A P T E R 8

Operational Treatments and Modifications of Passenger Behavior to Improve Safety at Platform/Guideway and Platform/Vehicle Interfaces 65 both on the trains and on the platforms. An alternative to train positioning is to increase the number of platform conductors during peak periods at many of the stations with gap issues. These conductors provide assistance to passengers during boarding and alighting (14). Zoning off car systems also require additional announcements on board the train and at the station platforms so that passengers have enough time to move to the appropriate car for board- ing or alighting. This is very important in systems where passengers are prohibited from moving between cars. Platform Surveillance Platform surveillance is particularly important at stations with highly curved platforms. Surveillance is done by using CCTV cameras or platform-based conductors and rail transit personnel or both. CCTV. In the New York City region, both the LIRR and NYCT operate train consists that are very long and many of the platforms are highly curved. Platform-based CCTV cameras are placed so that conductors located on platforms at the ends and or at the middle of the train consist can visually monitor the doors for clearance before closing the doors and leaving the stations. Platform-based conductors. In addition to CCTV, platform-based conductors may also provide assistance to conductors on board the train. Figures 8.1 and 8.2 show platform-based CCTV used by the LIRR and NYCT. Platform and Station Personnel Increasing the number of rail transit personnel at stations and on platforms is an effective treatment strategy for improving safety at the platform/vehicle interface. Rail transit agencies have different programs for increasing staff at stations and on platforms. In Los Angeles and San Diego, safety ambassadors are deployed at stations throughout the sys- tem. The safety ambassadors are either full- or part-time employees depending on the need and operating characteristics of the agency. The rail transit agencies were very supportive of the return on investment in the safety ambassador program. Figure 8.1. CCTV platform look back. [Images of NYC Subway and LIRR © Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Used with permission].

66 Manual to Improve Rail Transit Safety at Platform/Vehicle and Platform/Guideway Interfaces In the New York City region, platform attendants and conductors assist train crews with surveillance of train doors particularly at stations with curved platforms. The LIRR also has station personnel that reach out to assist passengers. Platform attendants and conductors may be present at stations that have CCTV to provide assistance to the train conductor with managing doors. Also in the New York City region, both the LIRR and NYCT use additional platform control- lers and safety staff to improve safety and security for all. Platform controllers are deployed on the NYCT subway system during peak periods to expedite the boarding and alighting process to reduce dwell times and increase system capacity. The controllers are expected to respond rapidly to any problem that could disrupt the flow of the service such as a door problem or passengers interfering with the doors. NYCT is currently experiencing a growth in ridership and it is expanding the number of per- sonnel on the platform. Sometimes platform controllers are deployed during special operations to allow maintenance work to be conducted and to communicate service changes to customers. Platform controllers have radios for contacting Rail Control Center in the event of an emergency, which provides an additional safety benefit. Public Relations, Outreach, and Marketing Multiple types of media are needed for effective public relations, outreach, and marketing to improve rail transit safety at platform/guideway and platform/vehicle interfaces. The FRA Approach to Managing Gap Safety has several suggestions for public awareness. In this manual, the approaches have been divided into print media and electronic media: • Print media include signs, posters, brochures, information on ticket stubs, and platform markings. • Electronic media include (a) real time audio and visual announcements (b) and online media. Figure 8.2. Real time video cameras/monitors show the boarding and alighting on long curved platforms, NYCT. [Images of NYC Subway and LIRR © Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Used with permission].

Operational Treatments and Modifications of Passenger Behavior to Improve Safety at Platform/Guideway and Platform/Vehicle Interfaces 67 Printed Materials Printed materials may include brochures that are culturally appropriate for a specific audi- ence or may include safety slogans on the back of a ticket or fare card. In New York City, a new safety campaign uses several forms of print media to increase awareness of safety issues. Figure 8.3 shows the bubble people pictogram that is used in the MTA onboard “Think Safety and Take Precautions” materials prepared in five languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Russian). Figure 8.3. Materials from MTA’s “Think Safety and Take Precautions” program. [Images from MTA Subway Safety Campaign © Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Used with permission]. Safety on Plaorms and Stairs • Stay away from the edge of the plaorm. • Hold children’s hands or make sure they stay next to you on the plaorm. • Wait near the center of the plaorm, especially during non-rush hours (off-hours), when trains have fewer cars. • Do not lean over the plaorm edge to see if a train is coming, because trains can approach from either direc on. • Wait for the train to stop before stepping forward. • Keep off the tracks. They contain more than 600 voltsof electricity. If you drop something, ask a Transit employee or police officer for help or, if available, use a sta on “Customer Assistance Intercom.” • Walk—don’t run—on stairs and plaorms. • Keep to the right on stairs and passageways. • Hold handrails. • Hold children’s hands. Subway Car Safety • Holding car doors open is dangerous. • Don’t even think about subway surfing (riding outside the train). • Never ride, board, or walk between cars. • Watch the gap between the train and plaorm. • Keep clothing and personal effects clear of closing doors. • Don’t lean on doors. • Hold on to a pole or handrail when you stand and the train is moving. • Only pull the emergency cord if someone or something (e.g., a baby stroller) is caught between subway doors and the train must be stopped. See Someone at Risk? Get Help. Alert a police officer, train or sta on personnel. Or, if available, use a sta on “Customer Assistance Intercom.” Be Safe. Be Smart. Get Help.

68 Manual to Improve Rail Transit Safety at Platform/Vehicle and Platform/Guideway Interfaces Mind the Gap One of the most recognized public relation campaigns for platform/guideway and platform/ vehicle interfaces is “Mind the Gap” from the London Underground. The London Underground is over a 100 years old and many stations have large vertical and horizontal gaps (11). Railway systems in the United States have slightly modified this statement for their own public relations campaigns into “Watch the Gap.” Platform Markings The LIRR has stenciled “Watch the Gap” on the edge of many platforms along with red painted warning sections that draw extra attention to the areas of the platform where doors open as shown in Figure 8.4 (5). Electronic Media Electronic media include real time audio and visual announcements as well as the use of online media. An advantage of electronic media is that it can deliver real time information. It is impor- tant that rail transit agencies carefully manage the message content and format. Many of the larger transit agencies have personnel that are dedicated to social media and real time messaging, and these personnel are usually located within central control. Audio and visual announcements are used on board the train, on platforms, and throughout stations. The technology permits real time audio messaging via public address systems and visual messaging on passenger information display monitors. Automated audio announcements on trains and platforms and safety videos available from the rail transit agency website have been produced to increase passenger awareness of safety at platform/guideway and platform/vehicle interfaces. Figure 8.4. “Watch the Gap” and red painted warning markings on an LIRR platform (14).

Operational Treatments and Modifications of Passenger Behavior to Improve Safety at Platform/Guideway and Platform/Vehicle Interfaces 69 Online Media Rail transit agencies across the United States are developing audiovisual media for public relations and outreach. The Metro in Melbourne, Australia, created an Internet-based video ad campaign and mobile application titled “Dumb Ways to Die.” Using humor and rather graphic images of animated characters dying in what were determined to be stupid ways, the message is conveyed that people should be careful around railroad tracks and stations. This video might not be appropriate for all audiences, but it shows the use of humor to convey important safety mes- sages. Various airline companies are using humor in their preflight safety briefings to increase passengers’ attention. Indications suggest that using humor in preflight safety briefings is more effective than the traditional preflight safety briefings (13). Table 8.1 includes website addresses for outreach and marketing materials from transit agencies in the United States and Australia. Outreach Strategies for Platform Safety Public outreach strategies are designed to educate the public about the safe use of rail transit. Rail transit agencies have developed educational programs that reflect the needs and culture of the local community. Education programs that are multi-lingual, multi-generational, and multi-cultural are provided through many different media and are considered to have a wider impact. There are several outreach strategies that can be used to reduce the potential for guideway and track intrusions from the platform. These include the need for a trespass and suicide prevention program. Operation Lifesaver. This program has historically focused on freight rail and intrusion prevention at grade crossings and incursions on track. More recently, rail transit agencies are partnering with Operation Lifesaver to create and adapt materials to the needs of passenger rail transit. Across the United States, transit agencies are also developing new partnerships with neighborhood groups for outreach and education to promote neighborhood and community safety. Some of these programs are provided in the K through 12 education setting at schools that are located within a 1.5-mi radius of rail lines. Operation Lifesaver launched a competition for transit agencies and state Operation Lifesaver partners to develop public awareness materials. The website address for Operation Lifesaver transit materials is http://oli.org/rail-safety/transit-materials. Trespass and Suicide Prevention. Suicides are costly to rail transit agencies and to the local community. Rail transit agencies are limited in their resources and often focus on available resources in the community to prevent suicides on the system. The Mineta report suggests that rail transit agencies let the community at large be responsible for determining the motivations for suicides and creating overall prevention programs (26). However, rail transit agencies should be involved with the process where these programs intersect with the railroad. Rail transit Website Addresses for Outreach and Marketing Materials î LA Metro: http://www.metro.net/about/transit-safety/ î San Diego MTS: http://www.sdmts.com/MTS/safety-security.asp î NYCT MTA: http://web.mta.info/mta/safety.htm î LIRR: http://web.mta.info/lirr/safety/ î SEPTA: http://www.septa.org/safety/ î Chicago Transit Authority (CTA): http://www.transitchicago.com/safety/ î Melbourne Metro: http://dumbwaystodie.com/ î Operation Lifesaver: http://oli.org/about-us Table 8.1. Website addresses for outreach and safety marketing materials.

70 Manual to Improve Rail Transit Safety at Platform/Vehicle and Platform/Guideway Interfaces agencies should work with the community to determine the higher risk locations that require specific projects. Previous research has indicated that the most common locations for suicide on a rail transit system are at grade crossings or from rail transit platforms. Treatments that were used include platform screen doors, intrusion detection, and suicide hotline signs posted in and around stations (13). LA Metro uses suicide crisis line placards on platforms and at grade crossings (see Figures 8.5 and 8.6). According to sources at LA Metro, a large increase in call volume to the hotline suggests that the campaign is a success (40). Translink in Vancouver, BC, has invested in special suicide awareness programs for station staff. Because of this program, station staff have reported an increase in passengers self-disclosing of their need for mental health assistance. In April 2015, San Francisco BART created the Bay Area Suicide and Crisis Intervention Alli- ance (BASCIA) and launched a multi-pronged and continuous campaign to address an increase Figure 8.5. Crisis line placard at level grade crossing, LA Metro. Figure 8.6. Crisis line placard at the end of the platform, LA Metro.

Operational Treatments and Modifications of Passenger Behavior to Improve Safety at Platform/Guideway and Platform/Vehicle Interfaces 71 in suicides and suicide attempts. The program provides employees with training on how to recognize and help people potentially in crisis. In addition, BART launched new station signage with the slogan, “Suicide is not the route” that directs troubled patrons to the National Suicide Lifeline. The website address includes information about this program: http://www.bart.gov /guide/safety/suicideprevention. Transit Agency Employee Training Employee training can be one effective way to reduce the number of platform/guideway and platform/vehicle interface incidents. Employee training should focus on recognizing the risk fac- tors associated with incidents such as crowding, people with disabilities, age, and people who are carrying luggage or using strollers. Also, employees should be briefed on situations and locations where these injuries are most likely to occur (5). The FRA Approach to Managing Gap Safety suggests that all employees get specific safety train- ing pertinent to their duties. For example, train crew and conductors should be trained in platform monitoring, look back procedures, and monitoring door openings and closings. Maintenance crews should be trained to recognize features on the platform, track, and cars that could poten- tially increase the gap. Other employees that should receive training include station personnel, station supervisors, station security officers, and railroad police (9).