Gap Between the Coach and Platform – Solutions for Improving Train Accessibility

Easy access from platforms to trains is limited by the free space between the platform edge and coach fl oor, named the gap. Th e standard defi nition of the gap is described together with a description of all the diffi culties aff ecting passengers, arising from diff erent platform heights and diff erent passenger vehicle fl oor placements over the rail head. Th e gap is a cause of accidents. Th e article describes techniques which are used to reduce the gap’s infl uence on passenger safety (metro, railway), which may relate to the infrastructure, technical solutions associated with vehicles or platforms, as well as organizational solutions related with appropriate information.