Institution news
Q: Could you briefly explain your role and involvement with platform train interfaces?
David Polhill (DP): My role at the Rail Delivery Group involves interfaces, vehicle to vehicle, vehicle to structure including the platform train interface (PTI). I was involved in some of the earlier PTI work in 2015 and attended the 2016 seminar where the document I look after, Key Train Requirements, was mentioned. I see presenting in 2018 an opportunity to bring the document to attendees and hopefully get new items for the next version.
Q: What do you think is the biggest challenge at the platform train interface and what do you think could be done to solve it?
DP: The biggest challenge is money and desire: little of it, the cost of correcting platforms which are not to standard and people not forcing an improvement. Also education of the public and of staff that the PTI is dangerous. Rushing for closing doors causes harm and delay. Not checking that people are clear or believing interlock lights mean everything is safe.
Q: How important are engineering solutions to mitigate risk around the PTI for the overall safety of rail passengers?
DP: Getting train floors/steps close to platforms is achievable, but because of the lack of standardisation, each location may need a different solution, which adds cost.
Q: What do you think the next biggest areas of focus for solutions around the PTI should be?
DP: Getting platform heights and offsets to the correct position and where not possible use gap fillers, preferably passive, but if needed, active. Educating the public that stations can be dangerous, not to run the gauntlet of the race to get on the train and to be aware of the dangers presented by their phones and the distraction they can be.
Q: What are you most looking forward to by attending and presenting at the Platform Train Interfaces seminar?
DP: Sadly, I can’t attend for the whole event, but I feel bringing Key Train Requirements to the audiences’ attention will be beneficial.
Join this seminar to:
- Find out how new development projects h1ave improved passenger safety whilst reducing dwell time
- Gain insight on innovations helping passengers “mind the gap” between the train and the platform
- Improve the management of accessibility challenges posed by legacy infrastructure combined with modern train designs
- Meet and discuss solutions with design engineers, fleet performance engineers and heads of safety and human factors
Attend the Platform Train Interfaces seminar to find out how Crossrail, HS2, Network Rail, Heathrow Express and Transport for London are improving safety, accessibility as well as performance. Learn more about the latest engineering tools to improve accessibility, including gap fillers and platform extensions. Hear technical insights on the developments in door and rolling stock design to reduce the risk of accidents. To book your place, please visit www.imeche.org/pti