Station Platform-Railcar Threshold Gap Study

Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference Centerhttps://doi.org/10.21949/15267931982PDFTech ReportReichenberger, Anton, J.United States. Department of Veterans AffairsJohn A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)United States. Urban Mass Transportation AdministrationUnited States. Urban Mass Transportation AdministrationUnited StatesHuman factors engineeringPersons with disabilitiesDoor handlesBarriers (Roads)AccessibilityLight rail transitRapid transitRailroad stationsRailroad commuter serviceManeuverabilityPassenger terminalsBarriersUMTA-MA-06-0025-82-2DTRS-57-80-X-00058This study was conducted for the Transportation Systems Center by the Veterans Administration Rehabilitation Engineering Center (VAREC). It is part of a program to improve railcar accessibility for the handicapped riders. The purpose of this investigation by VAREC was to gather data on: (1) the acceptable range of maximum gaps, which are various horizontal and vertical spacings in combination, which can be safely crossed by individuals in manually propelled or powered wheelchairs; (2) suitable techniques for safely and independently crossing such gaps in a wheelchair; (3) the abilities of persons in wheelchairs with different disabilities to safely and independently cross the gaps; and (4) what effects repeatedly crossing these gaps may have on the structural integrity (durability and life expectancy) of wheelchairs.138