Most of us hop on or off a train without a second thought, unaware we have just crossed a danger zone. And although rail is one of the safest ways to travel, the gap between the train and the platform — known as the platform-train-interface (PTI) — is a place where serious accidents can happen.
So to help passengers cross over the PTI safely, we need to understand what the risks are. Industry has been doing that for a while. We also need to be able to assess those risks in a consistent way. .
However, consistency is hard to achieve. Station layouts, train designs, operating practices, and risk assessment methods vary widely. Safety standards vary across the industry due to an inconsistent approach to risk assessment.
The problem is made worse by the complexity and age of rail infrastructure. Platforms and trains are built to last decades. As the network evolves and becomes more frequented, even small design differences can become major obstacles to consistency.
For example, curved platforms often create unavoidable gaps due to the geometry of trains and tracks. These gaps are built into the system and can’t be removed easily. But passengers still need to be able to navigate the PTI safely.
Introducing PTI consistency
To help industry help customers, RSSB has the PTI Risk Assessment Tool (PTIRAT). This gives a single, objective industry framework. It is designed to help rail organisations assess PTI risks with consistency, reliability, and uniformity across every station type and operator.
The PTIRAT was developed collaboratively with the rail industry, and is based on shared expertise and real-world data, including station usage and safety records. This saves time and effort for rail staff who would otherwise need to source such information. When assessing a station, the tool automatically presents key data—such as footfall and incident history—streamlining workflows and improving consistency across PTI risk assessments.
The tool also evolves in response to industry feedback. Concerns raised by operators—such as how to account for dispatch risks, accessibility challenges, or specific platform geometries—are discussed in the PTI Working Group. These discussions often lead to the addition or revision of questions or the introduction of new features to the PTIRAT.
For example, operators might collectively highlight an emerging risk with door closure. Then the tool can be updated to include targeted prompts that help assess those risks more thoroughly. This ensures the tool acts on current industry trends and operational needs. Ultimately it helps rail leaders meet legal requirements and improve safety outcomes for passengers. On the other hand, if only one operator is concerned about a particular risk, they can customise their own question set to make sure they can address it themselves. This flexibility sits alongside the core framework. Together, these ensure consistency across the industry while allowing operators to tailor assessments for specific station layouts and operational needs.
A vision for safer, more inclusive travel
The PTIRAT is already being adopted by more train operators, which means a safer PTI for more customers. This will increase as more companies use the tool. Regular updates will help the tool keep and increase its usefulness.
Ultimately, rail leaders will benefit from the PTIRAT based on its ability to support consistent, data-driven decision-making so customers have a safer experience at the PTI.