Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has published research and a good practice guide on crowd management at stations, in response to rail industry requests, it reports.
Focusing on crowd management during major events or operational disturbances, the research examined existing practice plus models which can be used to predict passenger behaviour. As the demand for additional capacity increases on the UK rail network, rail industry planners have increasingly looked to high-tech passenger flow modelling packages to guide decision-making, the RSSB says. The research also draws parallels with other applications such as music and sports event management.
The research found that there is evidence of good practice within the industry, but there is also a need for a consistent approach to crowd planning and more effective communications between industry parties. The findings also highlighted opportunities for: clear standards and guidance in this area; a station staffing strategy; use of technology and a systems approach; station control room design; use of CCTV; image processing technology; use of wayfinding systems; and selection of pedestrian flow modelling packages
The research recommendations aim to inform rail industry planners on measures they can take to reduce the impact on passengers, the infrastructure and train punctuality. Based on the findings of this research, a good practice guide has also been produced for the industry’s use in planning the management of crowds at stations.
For further information, or a copy of the Good Practice Guide on Crowd Management visit the research and development section of the RSSB website;
