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RSSB publishes research on crowd management at stations

Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has published research and a good practice guide on crowd management at stations, in response to the rail industry’s request for research in this area of operations.

Focusing on crowd management during major events or operational disturbances, the research examined existing practice together with 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 their decision-making. 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
  
• The application of a systems approach
  
• Station control room design
  
• Use of CCTV
  
• Image processing technology
  
• Use of wayfinding systems
  
• 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 please contact Rail Safety and Standards Board press office, on 020 7904 7524/5 or visit the research and development section of the RSSB website on http://www.rssb.co.uk/research/index.asp

Notes to editors:

1. This research was carried out for RSSB by Davis Associates, based in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire. Davis Associates is a human factors and ergonomics design consultancy, established in 1986. Their expertise encompasses physical and cognitive ergonomics, and all human factors issues relating to products, systems and environments.

2. The RSSB Research Programme is responsible for the development and delivery of the railway industry’s safety-related research and development. The programme is aimed at delivering business improvements and facilitating their implementation by the railway industry. It is rooted in the recognition of safety management as one element of managing business risk. The principal objectives are to identify and develop ways of reducing safety risk, reduce the cost of delivering a safe railway, and improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of safety management. The scope is the national rail network of Great Britain.

3. RSSB was established in April 2003 as an independent, not for profit organisation tasked with improving safety performance across the national rail network. The company is owned by the railway industry, is limited by guarantee and has a Board and an advisory committee. It is independent of any single railway company and their commercial interests.