Institution news
Q: Could you briefly explain your role and involvement with platform train interfaces?
Frazer Scott (FS): For the past seven years I have been involved in leading the safety verification for the introduction of infrastructure and the new Class 700 trains as part of the Thameslink Programme. This has involved assessing the risks relating to the PTI when either extending platforms to accommodate new train services or when introducing new services to additional routes served by the Class 700.
Q: What do you think is the biggest challenge at the platform train interface and what do you think could be done to solve it?
FS: This is a big question when it comes to managing the risks around the PTI. As the industry continues to try to improve the efficiency of the dwell time on stations to enable more passengers to board and alight, the way in which risks are managed remains a key element. The challenge is between safe access from platform to train and improving performance.
Q: How important are engineering solutions to mitigate risk around the PTI for the overall safety of rail passengers?
FS: Engineering solutions to PTI risks continue to be play an important part in the overall mitigation in delivering improved passenger safety, but this has to be as part of a wider piece of work including consideration of human factors as a portion of the controls to be put in place.
Q: What do you think the next biggest areas of focus for solutions around the PTI should be?
FS: The focus has to be on improving accessibility across the network and finding solutions to enable everyone to travel safely throughout the rail system. A large amount of the current infrastructure is still based on 19th and early 20th century arrangements which challenges engineers when introducing new rolling stock and trying to open up the network to everyone.
Q: What are you most looking forward to by attending and presenting at the Platform Train Interfaces seminar?
FS: For me this is a chance to listen to and to discuss with experts from across the industry to see what others are, or have been, doing when looking to control the risks that operators face in relation to the PTI.
Join this seminar to:
- Find out how new development projects have improved passenger safety whilst reducing dwell time
- Gain insight on innovations helping passengers “mind the gap” between the train and the platform
- Improve the management of accessibility challenges posed by legacy infrastructure combined with modern train designs
- Meet and discuss solutions with design engineers, fleet performance engineers and heads of safety and human factors.
Attend the Platform Train Interfaces seminar to find out how Crossrail, HS2, Network Rail, Heathrow Express and Transport for London are improving safety, accessibility as well as performance. Learn more about the latest engineering tools to improve accessibility, including gap fillers and platform extensions. Hear technical insights on the developments in door and rolling stock design to reduce the risk of accidents. To book your place, please visit www.imeche.org/pti