Analysis of Space Usage on Train Station Platforms Based on Trajectory Data

The functionality of railway platforms could be assessed by level of service concepts. They describe interactions between humans and the built environment and allow one to rate risks due to overcrowding. To improve existing concepts, a detailed analysis of how pedestrians use the space was performed, and new measurement and evaluation methods are introduced. Trajectories of passengers at platforms in Bern and Zurich Hardbrucke (Switzerland) were analysed. Boarding and alighting passengers show different behaviour, considering the travel paths, waiting times and mean speed. Density, speed and flow profiles were exploited and a new measure for the occupation of space is introduced. The analysis has shown that it is necessary to filter the data in order to reach a realistic assessment of the level of service. Three main factors should be considered: the time of day, the times when trains arrive and depart and the platform side. Therefore, density, speed and flow profiles were averaged over one minute and calculated depending on the train arrival. The methodology developed in this article is the basis for enhanced and more specific level of service concepts and offers the possibility to optimise planning of transportation infrastructures with regard to functionality and sustainability.