CRC for Rail Innovation: Station Design

Guidelines and principles for the design and configuration of urban passenger rail stations.

  • Investigators

    • Dr Vincent Moug

  • Funded by

    • Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Rail Innovation

  • Undertaken within

Successful station design should provide safe, functional spaces to elicit positive experiences for passengers throughout the station and at the interface between the train carriage and terminus. Within the Industrial Design department at Monash the role of the railway station has been further analysed in the context of accessibility, particularly the interface between the platform surface and train. A research area which responds to the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (DSAPT) compliance milestone of equal access for all users of public transport by 2022.

Design methods engaged in the project make use of the industry experience of rail operators in addressing access issues, foremost at legacy stations. A review of current literature, operating procedures and studio based modelling will assist in directing a new design solution. Industry interest in modularity and life-cycle maintenance forms part of the end design specification. The project intends to conclude with a commercial product which is empathetic in its design approach towards a mutual improved experience for passengers and operational staff via station design.

With a combined resource total of more than $100 million over seven years, the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Rail Innovation is a significant asset to the Australasian Rail Industry. The Rail CRC is a unique and productive endeavour linking the substantial skills and resources of the rail industry with the research and development expertise of seven of Australia’s leading universities. Collaborative research enables a small contribution from individual rail companies to be leveraged in order to solve serious problems common to several Participants.

www.railcrc.net.au
www.railcrc.net.au/project/r1134

Studio-based prototyping

Photo of studio-based prototyping at 1:1 Scale to simulate context for further design development

Gradient of platform surface

Info graphic with overlay of Melbourne’s Metropolitan rolling stock and the limits of crossfall gradient of platform surface outlined in the Victorian Rail Industry Operators Group Standards (VRIOGS 002.1)

Platform dimensions

Info graphic demonstrating the variability in platform height and horizontal distance at Richmond Station (Data source: Public Transport Victoria)

PRM and Interest Zones

Info graphic defining functional zones within Station Design and mobility impaired persons identified as basis for objectives of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT 2002)