Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual

7UDQVLW&DSDFLW\DQG4XDOLW\RI6HUYLFH0DQXDO
PART 4
TERMINAL CAPACITY
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................... 4-1
2. BUS STOPS ............................................................................................................... 4-3
Passenger Waiting Areas............................................................................................. 4-3
Level of Service Standards...................................................................................... 4-3
Determining Required Passenger Waiting Area...................................................... 4-3
Impact of Passenger Amenities ................................................................................... 4-5
3. RAIL AND BUS STATIONS ................................................................................... 4-7
Outside Transfer Facilities .......................................................................................... 4-7
Bus Berths............................................................................................................... 4-7
Park-and-Ride Facilities........................................................................................ 4-10
Kiss-and-Ride Facilities ........................................................................................ 4-11
Inside Terminal Elements.......................................................................................... 4-11
Pedestrian Capacity Terminology ......................................................................... 4-11
Pedestrian Level of Service................................................................................... 4-12
Principles of Pedestrian Flow................................................................................ 4-12
Pedestrian System Requirements........................................................................... 4-12
Walkways.................................................................................................................. 4-13
Design Factors....................................................................................................... 4-13
Level of Service Standards.................................................................................... 4-16
Evaluation Procedures........................................................................................... 4-18
Ticket Machines........................................................................................................ 4-18
Design Factors....................................................................................................... 4-18
Doorways and Fare Gates ......................................................................................... 4-19
Design Factors....................................................................................................... 4-19
Stairways ................................................................................................................... 4-21
Design Factors....................................................................................................... 4-21
Escalators .................................................................................................................. 4-25
Design Factors....................................................................................................... 4-25
Capacity Standards................................................................................................ 4-26
Elevators ................................................................................................................... 4-27
Design Factors....................................................................................................... 4-27
Elevator Capacity.................................................................................................. 4-28
Platforms ................................................................................................................... 4-28
Design Factors....................................................................................................... 4-28
Part 4/TERMINAL CAPACITY
Page 4-i
Contents
Comprehensive Passenger Processing Analysis ........................................................ 4-30
Manual Method/Input to Simulation Models ........................................................ 4-31
Computer Simulation Models................................................................................ 4-33
Real-Time Passenger Information Systems ........................................................... 4-33
4. REFERENCES ........................................................................................................ 4-35
5. EXAMPLE PROBLEMS ....................................................................................... 4-37
APPENDIX A. EXHIBITS IN U.S. CUSTOMARY UNITS.................................... 4-47
LIST OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit 4-1 Levels of Service for Queuing Areas............................................................ 4-4
Exhibit 4-2 Examples of Passenger Amenities at Bus Stops ........................................... 4-5
Exhibit 4-3 Typical Transit Stop and Station Amenities ................................................. 4-6
Exhibit 4-4 Bus Loading Area (Berth) Designs .............................................................. 4-7
Exhibit 4-5 Bus Loading Area (Berth) Examples............................................................ 4-8
Exhibit 4-6 Estimated Maximum Vehicle Capacity of Station Linear Bus Berths Under
Low Dwell Time Conditions ................................................................................... 4-9
Exhibit 4-7 Efficiency of Multiple Linear Off-Line Bus Berths at Bus Terminals.......... 4-9
Exhibit 4-8 Examples of Park-and-Ride Facilities at Transit Stations .......................... 4-10
Exhibit 4-9 Examples of Kiss-and-Ride Facilities at Transit Stations........................... 4-11
Exhibit 4-10 Pedestrian Flow Diagram Through a Transit Terminal ............................ 4-13
Exhibit 4-11 System Description of Transit Platform for Arriving Passengers............. 4-13
Exhibit 4-12 Pedestrian Speed on Walkways................................................................ 4-14
Exhibit 4-13 Pedestrian Unit Width Flow on Walkways............................................... 4-15
Exhibit 4-14 Pedestrian Level of Service on Walkways ............................................... 4-16
Exhibit 4-15 Illustration of Walkway Levels of Service ............................................... 4-17
Exhibit 4-16 Ticket Machine Examples ........................................................................ 4-19
Exhibit 4-17 Fare Gate Examples.................................................................................. 4-20
Exhibit 4-18 Observed Average Doorway and Fare Gate Headways............................ 4-20
Exhibit 4-19 Stairway Examples ................................................................................... 4-21
Exhibit 4-20 Pedestrian Ascent Speed on Stairs ........................................................... 4-22
Exhibit 4-21 Pedestrian Flow Volumes on Stairs.......................................................... 4-23
Exhibit 4-22 Level of Service Criteria for Stairways .................................................... 4-23
Exhibit 4-23 Typical Escalator Configuration at a Transit Station (Denver) ................ 4-25
Exhibit 4-24 Nominal Escalator Capacity Values ......................................................... 4-26
Exhibit 4-25 Example Elevator Application at a Transit Station (Portland, OR).......... 4-27
Exhibit 4-26 Typical Transit Station Platform Configurations...................................... 4-29
Exhibit 4-27 Four Areas of a Transit Platform.............................................................. 4-30
Page 4-ii
Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
This chapter contains procedures for estimating the capacities of various elements of
transit terminals. For bus stops, procedures are provided for sizing passenger waiting
areas at stops, and the provision of passenger amenities within these areas. For bus and
rail stations, procedures are provided for sizing outside transfer facilities, such as bus
transfer, park-and-ride, and kiss-and-ride areas, as well as the various inside terminal
elements, such as walkways, stairways, escalators, elevators, turnstiles, ticket machines,
and platforms.
Although previous efforts have involved designing terminal facilities based on
maximum pedestrian capacity; research has shown that a breakdown in pedestrian flow
occurs when there is a dense crowding of pedestrians, causing restricted and
uncomfortable movement. For this reason, many of the procedures contained in this
chapter for sizing terminal elements are based on maintaining a desirable pedestrian level
of service, and utilize the pedestrian level of service analysis procedures also documented
in the Highway Capacity Manual.
Pedestrian level of service

procedures derived from the
Highway Capacity Manual.
For larger terminals, the different pedestrian spaces interact with one another such
that capacity and level of service might better be evaluated from a systems perspective.
The use of simulation models to assess the impact of queue spillback on downstream
facilities has application in assisting to size overall internal spaces within a terminal
facility, and thus their application is discussed in this part of the manual.
Appendix A provides substitute exhibits in U.S. customary units for those Part 4
exhibits that use metric units.
Page 4-1
Exhibits appearing in Appendix A

are indicated by a marginal note
such as this.
Chapter 1Introduction
This page intentionally blank.
Page 4-2
Chapter 1Introduction
2. BUS STOPS
PASSENGER WAITING AREAS
The recommended procedures for computing the size of passenger waiting areas at
bus stops is based on maintaining a desirable level of service. The concept of pedestrian
level of service is presented in the Highway Capacity Manual.(R5) The primary measure of
effectiveness for defining pedestrian level of service is the average space available to each
pedestrian. The level of service for a pedestrian waiting area is based not only on space
but also the degree of mobility allowed. In dense standing crowds, there is little room to
move, but limited circulation is possible as the average space per pedestrian increases.
Studies have shown that pedestrians keep as much as an 0.4-meter (18-inch) buffer
between themselves and the edge of curb. This suggests that the effective width of a
typical bus stop should be computed as the total width minus 0.4 meters (18 inches).
Level of Service Standards
Level-of-service descriptions for passenger waiting areas are shown in Exhibit 4-1.
The standards were developed based on average pedestrian space, personal comfort, and
degrees of internal mobility. The standards are presented in terms of average area per
person and average interpersonal space (distance between people).
Passenger waiting area LOS

utilizes concepts from the Highway
Capacity Manual.
The level of service required for waiting within a facility is a function of the amount
of time spent waiting and the number of people waiting. Typically, the longer the wait, the
greater the space per person required. Also, the required space per person may vary over
time. For example, those waiting in the beginning will want a certain amount of space
initially, but will be willing to accept less space as additional people arrive later.(R5)
A persons acceptance of close interpersonal spacing will also depend on the
characteristics of the population, the weather conditions, and the type of facility. For
example, commuters may be willing to accept higher levels or longer periods of crowding
than intercity and recreational travelers.(R5)
Determining Required Passenger Waiting Area
As discussed above, the procedures to determine passenger waiting area at bus stops
are based on maintaining a desirable pedestrian level of service. For most bus stops, the
design level of service should be C to D or better. Following is a list of steps
recommended for determining the desired bus stop size:
1.
Based on the desired level of service, choose the average pedestrian space from
Exhibit 4-1.
2.
Estimate the maximum demand of passengers waiting for a bus at a given time.
3.
Calculate the effective waiting area required by multiplying the average

pedestrian space by the maximum pedestrian demand.
Calculate the total required waiting area by adding an 0.4-meter (18-inch) buffer
width (next to the roadway ) to the effective waiting area.
Page 4-3
Chapter 2Bus Stops
Exhibit 4-1
(R5)
Levels of Service for Queuing Areas
LEVEL OF SERVICE A
Average Pedestrian Area: 1.2 m2 (13 ft2 ) per person
Average Inter-Person Spacing: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Description: Standing and free circulation through the queuing
area possible without disturbing others within the queue.
LEVEL OF SERVICE B
Average Pedestrian Area: 0.9-1.2 m2 (10-13 ft2) per person
Average Inter-Person Spacing: 1.1-1.2 m (3.5-4 ft)
Description: Standing and partially restricted circulation to
avoid disturbing others within the queue is possible.
LEVEL OF SERVICE C
Average Pedestrian Area: 0.7-0.9 m2 (7-10 ft2) per person
Average Inter-Person Spacing: 0.9-1.1 m (3-3.5 ft)
Description: Standing and restricted circulation through the
queuing area by disturbing others is possible; this density is
within the range of personal comfort.
LEVEL OF SERVICE D
Average Pedestrian Area: 0.30.7 m2 (3-7 ft2) per person
Average Inter-Person Spacing: 0.60.9 m (2-3 ft)
Description: Standing without touching is impossible;
circulation is severely restricted within the queue and forward
movement is only possible as a group; long term waiting at this
density is discomforting.
LEVEL OF SERVICE E
Average Pedestrian Area: 0.2- 0.3 m2 (2-3 ft2) per person
Average Inter-Person Spacing: 0.6 m (2 ft)
Description: Standing in physical contact with others is
unavoidable; circulation within the queue is not possible;
queuing at this density can only be sustained for a short period
without serious discomfort.
LEVEL OF SERVICE F
Average Pedestrian Area: 0.2 m2 (2 ft2) per person
Average Inter-Person Spacing: Close contact
Description: Virtually all persons within the queue are standing
in direct physical contact with others; this density is extremely
discomforting; no movement is possible within the queue; the
potential for panic exists.
Page 4-4
Chapter 2Bus Stops
IMPACT OF PASSENGER AMENITIES
Passenger amenities are those elements provided at a bus stop to enhance comfort,
convenience, and security for the transit patron. Amenities include such items as shelters,
benches, vending machines, trash receptacles, phone booths, information signs or kiosks,
bike racks, lighting, and landscaping. The effects that particular amenities have on transit
ridership and passenger waiting area capacity is unclear. Amenities at most bus stops are
placed in response to a human need or a need to address an environmental condition. The
advantages and disadvantages of different passenger amenities at bus stops are
summarized in Exhibit 4-2. An example of providing pedestrian amenities at a typical bus
stop is illustrated in Exhibit 4-3.
Placement of passenger amenities

at bus stops impacts space
requirements for waiting areas.
Overall required passenger waiting areas at bus stops should account for space taken
up by shelters, benches, information signs and other amenities, with appropriate shy
distances.
Exhibit 4-2
(R12)
Examples of Passenger Amenities at Bus Stops
Amenity
Shelters
Benches
Vending
Machines
Lighting
Advantages
Provide comfort for waiting
passengers
Provide protection from
climate-related elements
(sun, glare, wind, rain, snow)
Help identify the stop
Provide comfort for waiting
passengers
Help identify the stop
Low-cost when compared to
installing a shelter
Provide reading material for
waiting passengers
Increases visibility
Increases perceptions of
comfort and security
Discourages after hours use
of bus stop facilities by
indigents
Provide place to discard trash
Keep bus stop clean
Trash
Receptacles
Telephones
Convenient for bus patrons

Provide access to transit
information
Useful for first-time riders

Helps identify bus stop
Can communicate general
system information
Route or
Schedule
Information
Disadvantages
Require maintenance, trash
collection
May be used by graffiti artists
Require maintenance
Increase trash accumulation

May have poor visual
appearance
Reduce circulation space
Can be vandalized
Requires maintenance
Can be costly
May be costly to maintain

May be used by customers of
nearby land use (i.e., fast
food restaurant)
May have a bad odor
May encourage loitering at
bus stop
May encourage illegal
activities at bus stop
Must by maintained to
provide current information
Page 4-5
Chapter 2Bus Stops
Exhibit 4-3
Typical Transit Stop and Station Amenities
Shelter & Bench (Denver)
Telephones (Denver)
General Transit Information (San Diego)
Posted Bus Schedules (San Diego)
Schedule Rack (Denver)
Bus Arrival Times (Denver)
Bicycle Racks (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Bicycle Lockers (San Jose)
Retail Sales (Denver)
Landscaping (San Diego)
Page 4-6
Art (Portland, OR)
Chapter 2Bus Stops
3. RAIL AND BUS STATIONS
OUTSIDE TRANSFER FACILITIES
Bus Berths
A critical component at major bus and rail stations is the provision of bus transfer
areas where buses serving the station can board and alight passengers. For most stations,
the bus transfer area consists of an off-street bus berthing area near or adjacent to the
station building or platform area. For small transit stations, the number of berths (loading
areas) is small with a fairly simple access and layout configuration. For larger terminals,
numerous berths and more sophisticated designs are applied. Before BART was opened,
the Transbay Bus Terminal in San Francisco, for example, had 37 berths, serving 13,000
peak-hour passengers.
Exhibit 4-4 and Exhibit 4-6 illustrate the different types of bus berths integrated into
station design. Four types of bus berthing are typically applied:
linear,
sawtooth,
angle, and
drive-through.
Exhibit 4-4
Bus Loading Area (Berth) Designs
Linear Berths
Linear berths are not as efficient as

other berth types and are usually
used when buses will use the berth
for only a short time (for example,
at an on-street bus stop).
Sawtooth Berths
Sawtooth berths allow independent

movements by buses into and out
of berths and are commonly used
at bus transfer centers.
Angle Berths
Angle berths require buses to back

out. They are typically used when
a bus will occupy the berth for a
long time (for example, at an
intercity bus terminal).
Drive Through Berths
Drive-through berths allow bus

stops to be located in a compact
area, and also can allow all buses
to wait with their front destination
sign facing the direction
passengers will arrive from (e.g.,
from a rail station exit).
Page 4-7
Chapter 3Rail and Bus Stations
Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual
Exhibit 4-5
Bus Loading Area (Berth) Examples
Sawtooth, drive-through, and
angle loading area designs
should include provisions for
positive protection (such as
bollards) to protect
pedestrians from errant
buses.
Linear (Miami)
Sawtooth (San Diego)
Drive-Through (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Angle (Newark Airport)
Linear berths can operate in series and have capacity characteristics similar to onstreet bus stops. Angle berths are limited to one bus per berth, and they require buses to
back out. Drive-through angle berths are also feasible, and may accommodate multiple
vehicles. Shallow sawtooth berths are popular in urban transit centers and are designed
to permit independent movements into and out of each berth. The National
Transportation Safety Board recommends that transit facility designs incorporating
sawtooth berths, or other types of berths that may direct errant buses towards pedestrianoccupied areas, include provisions for positive separation (such as bollards) between the
roadway and pedestrian areas sufficient to stop a bus operating under normal parking
area speed conditions from progressing into the pedestrian area.(R9)
Capacity Characteristics
For bus and rail stations, the bus berth capacity estimation procedures identified in
Part 2 (related to on-street bus stops) are only applicable for relatively low bus dwell
times (3 minutes or less). This is typically the case of thorough-routed buses that do not
layover at the station, or buses that might coordinate their arrival times with certain
express or train arrivals. In this case, a g/C ratio of 1.00 is applicable as buses are not
restricted by on-street signal operations in accessing the off-street bus berthing area.
Exhibit 4-6 identifies the maximum linear berthing capacity under this condition. The
capacity figures have been modified to reflect a lower clearance time for buses exiting
the stop due to off-street operation.
Page 4-8

Exhibit 4-6
Estimated Maximum Vehicle Capacity of Station Linear Bus Berths Under Low Dwell Time
Conditions
Dwell Time (s)
15
30
45
60
75
90
105
120
NOTE:
Bus/h
116
69
49
38
31
26
23
20
Assumes 10-second clearance time, 25% queue probability, and 60% coefficient of variation.
For larger bus stations, and for bus routes laying over or terminating at a station,
typical design practice is to provide for individual berths for each route. In this case, bus
dwell times are typically longer than the 2-minute ceiling applicable to Exhibit 4-6 , and
the number of berths required per route will be driven by the longer dwell time.
As indicated in Part 2 of the manual, providing additional space within a linear bus
berth configuration increases the overall berth capacity, but at a decreasing rate as the
number of loading areas increases. Each loading area at a multiple-berth stop does not
have the same capacity as a single-berth stop, because it is not likely that the loading
areas at a multiple-berth stop will be equally used, or that passengers will distribute
equally among loading positions. Moreover, where stops are designated for specific
routes, bus schedules may not permit an even distribution of buses among loading
positions. Buses may also be delayed in entering or leaving a berth by buses in adjacent
loading positions.
Suggested berth efficiency factors are given in Exhibit 4-7 for off-line linear berths
at bus terminals. This is similar to the off-line berth scenario for on-street bus stops in
Exhibit 2-16. These factors are based on experience at the Port Authority of New York
and New Jerseys Midtown Bus Terminal. The exhibit suggests that four or five on-line
positions could have a maximum efficiency of 2.5 berths. Five off-line positions would
have an efficiency of about 3.75 berths.
Exhibit 4-7
Efficiency of Multiple Linear Off-Line Bus Berths at Bus Terminals(R6,R7,R8)
Berth No.
1
2
3
4
5
Efficiency
(%)
100
85
75
65
50
No. of Cumulative
Effective Linear Berths
1.00
1.85
2.60
3.25
3.75
Note that to provide two effective berths, three physical berths would need to be
provided, since partial berths are never built. All other types of multiple berths are
100% efficientthe number of effective berths equals the number of physical berths.
Page 4-9

The capacity of a linear bus berth at an off-street terminal is given by Equation 4-1:
B s = N eb
3,600
t c + t d + Z a cv t d
Equation 4-1
where:
Bs
Neb
tc
td
Za
=
=
=
=
=
cv
maximum number of buses per bus stop per hour;

number of effective berths, from Exhibit 4-;
clearance time between successive buses (s);
average (mean) dwell time (s);
one-tail normal variate corresponding to the probability
that queues will not form behind the bus stop, from
Exhibit 2-15; and
coefficient of variation of dwell times.
Park-and-Ride Facilities
Park-and-ride facilities are
sized based on estimated
demand.
At selected transit stations, park-and-ride facilities for autos are provided. Park-andride facilities are primarily located at the outer portions of a rail line or busway, in the
outer portions of central cities, and in the suburbs in urban areas. At most locations,
these facilities are integrated with bus transfer facilities. The size of park-and-ride
facilities can vary from as low as 10-20 spaces at minor stations to over 1,000 spaces at
major stations. Exhibit 4-8 illustrates different degrees of park-and-ride facilities. The
design of these facilities is similar to other off-street parking facilities. Most park-andride facilities are surface lots, with pedestrian connections to the transit station. Parking
structures are used where land is a premium and where a substantial number of parking
spaces are required.
Exhibit 4-8
Examples of Park-and-Ride Facilities at Transit Stations
Los Angeles
Houston
The required number of park-and-ride spaces at a transit station typically involves

identifying the demand for such parking, and then relating the space demand to the
ability to physically provide such a facility within cost constraints. Parking spaces in
park-and-ride facilities typically have a low turnover during the day, as most persons
parking at transit stations are commuters gone most of the day. In larger urban areas, the
regional transportation model will have a mode split component which will allow the
identification of park-and-ride demand at transit station locations, particularly applicable
related to identifying park-and-ride needs for new rail line or busway development.
Where the regional model does not have the level of sophistication to provide such
demand estimates, then park-and-ride demand estimation through user surveys and an
assessment of the ridership sheds for different station areas would be appropriate. In
summary, park-and-ride capacity is driven by the demand for the facility.
Page 4-10

Kiss-and-Ride Facilities
Kiss-and-ride facilities are auto pickup and dropoff areas provided at transit stations,
where transit patrons are dropped off and picked up by another person in a vehicle.
Parking needs associated with this concept are associated with vehicles waiting to pick
up transit riders, with the dropoff requiring no parking maneuver (though curb space is
needed to handle the dropoff). As for park-and-ride facilities, the sizing of kiss-and-ride
facilities is reflective of the demand and site physical constraints. Many larger transit
stations provide dedicated kiss-and-ride facilities. In Toronto, an innovative carousel
design has been applied at several stations where a separate inside terminal facility has
been developed for transit riders to wait to be picked up, with direct access to the rail
station. Exhibit 4-9 illustrates two kiss-and-ride facilities.
Kiss-and-ride facility capacity is

governed by space required for
passenger pick-ups.
Exhibit 4-9
Examples of Kiss-and-Ride Facilities at Transit Stations
Toronto
Denver
INSIDE TERMINAL ELEMENTS

An important objective of a transit station is to provide adequate space and
appropriate facilities to accommodate projected peak pedestrian demands while ensuring
pedestrian safety and convenience. Previous efforts have involved designing transit
stations based on maximum pedestrian capacity without consideration of pedestrian
convenience. Recent research has shown, however, that capacity is reached when there is
a dense crowding of pedestrians, causing restricted and uncomfortable movement.(R3)
The capacity procedures presented in this section are based on a relative scale of
pedestrian convenience. Procedures for evaluating pedestrian capacity and level of
service are contained in Fruins Pedestrian Planning and Design(R3) and in the 1997
Highway Capacity Manual.(R5) Those procedures that relate to transit station design are
summarized in the following sections.
Pedestrian Capacity Terminology
Terms used in this chapter for evaluating pedestrian capacity are defined as follows:
Pedestrian speed: average pedestrian walking speed, generally expressed in units of
meters or feet per second.
Pedestrian flow rate: number of pedestrians passing a point per unit time, expressed
as pedestrians per 15 minutes or pedestrians per minute; point refers to a
perpendicular line of sight across the width of roadway.
Unit width flow: average flow of pedestrians per unit of effective walkway width,
expressed as pedestrians per minute per meter or foot.
Pedestrian density: average number of pedestrians per unit of area within a walkway
or queuing area, expressed as pedestrians per square meter or foot.
Page 4-11
Pedestrian space: average area provided for each pedestrian in a walkway or queuing
area, expressed in terms of square meters or feet per pedestrian; this is the inverse of
density, but is a more practical unit for the analysis of pedestrian facilities.
Pedestrian Level of Service
Level-of-service standards provide a useful means of determining the environmental
quality of a pedestrian space. Pedestrian service standards related to walking are based on
the freedom to select desired walking speeds and the ability to bypass slower-moving
pedestrians. Other measures related to pedestrian flow include the ability to cross a
pedestrian traffic stream, to walk in the reverse direction of a major pedestrian flow, and
to maneuver without conflicts and changes in walking speed.
Level of service standards for queuing areas are based on available standing space
and the ability to maneuver from one location to another. Since pedestrian level of service
standards are based on the amount of pedestrian space available, these standards can be
used to determine desirable design features such as platform size, number of stairs,
corridor width, etc.
Principles of Pedestrian Flow
The relationship between density, speed, and flow for pedestrians is described in the
following formula:
v=SD
Equation 4-2
where:
v
S
D
=
=
=
flow (pedestrians per minute per m or ft);

speed (m/min or ft/min); and
density (peds/m2 or peds/ft2).
The flow variable used in this expression is the unit width flow defined earlier. An
alternative and more useful expression can be developed using the reciprocal of density,
or space, as follows:
v=S/M
Equation 4-3
where:
M
pedestrian space (m2 or ft2 per pedestrian).
Pedestrian System Requirements

An initial step in evaluating a transit station design is to outline the pedestrian system
requirements. Determining system requirements begins with a detailed description of the
pedestrian flow process through a terminal in the form of a flow chart (see Exhibit 4-10).
Properly done, the system diagram serves as a checklist and a constant reminder of the
interrelationship of the various functional elements of the station. Exhibit 4-11 lists
examples of elements and components to be included in a system diagram for the
evaluation of pedestrian flows off of a transit platform at a rail or bus station.
Page 4-12

Exhibit 4-10
(R2)
Pedestrian Flow Diagram Through a Transit Terminal
Non-Vehicle
Arrivals Walk-ins
Street
Kiss and
Ride
Station
Entrance
Parking Lot
Free
Area
Feeder
Bus/
Loading
Unloading
Paid
Area
Vertical
Movement
Free
Entry/
Exit
Platform
Transit
Vehicle
in Station
Line Haul Transit

Vehicle Guideway
Interchange = Function (type of vehicle system)
Exhibit 4-11
System Description of Transit Platform for Arriving Passengers(R3)
Element
Train Arrival
Components
On or off schedule; train length; number and locations of doors
Passengers
Number arriving; type; baggage; others boarding; discharge

rates
Platform
Length, width and effective area; locations of columns and

obstructions; system coherence: stair and escalator orientation,
lines of sight, signs, maps and other visual statements
Pedestrians
Walking distance and time; numbers arriving and waiting;

effective area per pedestrian; levels of service
Stairs
Location; width; riser height and tread; traffic volume and

direction; queue size; possibility of escalator breakdown
Escalators
Location; width; direction and speed; traffic volume and queue

size; maintainability
Elevators
Location; size and speed; traffic volume and queue size;

maintainability; alternate provisions for ADA passengers when
elevator is non-functioning
After the system requirements have been described schematically, they should be
described quantitatively. Often this can be done following the same basic format and
sequence as the system description. Pedestrian volumes can be scaled to size and plotted
graphically, to illustrate volume and direction. Pedestrian walking times, distances, and
waiting and service times can also be entered into this diagram.
WALKWAYS
Design Factors
The capacity of a walkway is controlled by the following factors:
pedestrian walking speed,
pedestrian traffic density, and
walkway width.
Page 4-13

Speed
Normal walking speeds of pedestrians may vary over a wide range, depending on
many factors. Studies have shown that male walking speeds are typically faster than
female walking speeds. Walking speeds have also been found to decline with age. Other
factors influencing a pedestrians selected walking speed include the following:
time of day,
temperature,
traffic composition,
trip purpose, and
reaction to environment.
Free-flow walking speeds have been shown to range from 48 m/min (145 ft/min) to
155 m/min (470 ft/min). On this basis, speeds below 48 m/min (145 ft/min) would
constitute restricted, shuffling locomotion, and speeds greater than 155 m/min (470
ft/min) would be considered as running. A pedestrian walking speed typically used for
design is 83 m/min (250 ft/min).
Density
Perhaps the most significant factor influencing pedestrian walking speed is traffic
density. Normal walking requires sufficient space for unrestricted pacing, sensory
recognition, and reaction to potential obstacles. Increasing density reduces the available
space for walking, and therefore, reduces walking speed.
Exhibit 4-12 shows the relationship between walking speed and average pedestrian
space (inverse of density). Observing this exhibit, pedestrian speeds are free-flow up to
an average pedestrian space of 8.25 m2 (25 ft2) per person. For average spaces below this
value, walking speeds begin to decline rapidly. Walking speeds approach zero at an
average pedestrian space of approximately one sq. m (3 ft2) per person.
Exhibit 4-12
(R3)
Pedestrian Speed on Walkways
An alternative figure using
U.S. customary units appears
in Appendix A.
100
90
Walking Speed (m/min)
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0
0.5
1.5
2.5
3.5
4.5
Pedestrian Space (m2/ped)
Page 4-14
Effective Walkway Width
The final factor affecting the capacity of a walkway is the effective width available.
Studies have shown that pedestrians keep as much as a 0.4-meter (18-inch) buffer
between themselves and the edge of curb or the edge of passageway. This suggests that
the effective width of a typical terminal corridor should be computed as the total width
minus one meter (3 ft), with 0.5 meter (18 inches) on each side.
Exhibit 4-13 shows the relationship between pedestrian flow per unit width of
effective walkway and average pedestrian occupancy. Curves are shown for unidirectional, bi-directional, and multi-directional (cross-flow) pedestrian traffic. As this
exhibit shows, there is a relatively small range in variation between the three curves. This
finding suggests that reverse and cross-flow traffic do not significantly reduce pedestrian
flow rates.
Exhibit 4-13
(R3)
Pedestrian Unit Width Flow on Walkways
An alternative figure using U.S.
customary units appears in
Appendix A.
Pedestrian Flow (ped/m width/min)
100
Commuter uni-directional
Commuter bi-directional
Shoppers multi-directional
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0
0.5
1.5
2.5
3.5
4.5
Pedestrian Space (m2/ped)
As shown in Exhibit 4-, the maximum average peak flow rates (86.0, 81.0, and 76.4
persons/m, or 26.2, 24.7, and 23.3 persons/ft, of walkway for uni-directional, bidirectional, and multi-directional flow, respectively) occur at an average occupancy of
1.65 m2 (5 ft2) per person. Many authorities have used these maximum flow rates as a
basis for design. This practice, however, may result in a limited walkway section that
operates at capacity and restricts normal locomotion. The following section presents
procedures for designing walkways based on level-of-service design standards.
Page 4-15

Design walkways based on a
desired pedestrian level of
service, not capacity.
As discussed in the previous section, it is not desirable to design walkways based on

capacity, but on a desired pedestrian level of service. The desirable pedestrian
environment allows sufficient space for the pedestrian to:
walk at a relaxed walking speed,
bypass slower pedestrians,
avoid conflicts with oncoming or crossing pedestrians, and
interact visually with surroundings.
The following level-of-service standards are given as a relative scale based on

achieving this desirable pedestrian environment.
Pedestrian Demand
When estimating the pedestrian demand for a particular facility, it is important to
consider short peak periods and surges within the peak. For design purposes, a 15-minute
peak period is recommended. However, because micro-peaking (temporary higher
volumes) are likely to occur, consequences of these surges within the peak should be
considered. Micro-peaking may result in restricted space for a given time period, but the
short duration and the fact that most users are knowledgeable of the transit facilities may
justify the temporary lower level of service.
Level of Service
Exhibit 4-14 lists the criteria for pedestrian level of service on walkways. These
level of service standards are based on average pedestrian space and average flow rate.
Average speed and volume-to-capacity ratio are shown as supplementary criteria.
Graphical illustrations and descriptions of walkway levels of service are shown in
Exhibit 4-15. Capacity is taken to be 7.6 pedestrians per minute per meter (25
pedestrians per minute per foot) (level of service E).
Exhibit 4-14
Pedestrian Level of Service on Walkways(R5)
Pedestrian
Level of
Service
A
B
C
D
E
F
Pedestrian
Level of
Service
A
B
C
D
E
F
Space
(m2/ped)
12.1
3.7
2.2
1.4
0.6
< 0.6
Space
(ft2/ped)
130
40
24
15
6
<6
Page 4-16
Expected Flows and Speeds

Unit Width
Avg. Speed, S
Flow, v
Vol/Capacity
(m/min)
(ped/min/m)
Ratio
79.2
76.2
73.2
68.6
45.7
< 45.7
6.1
21.3
30.5
45.7
76.2
0.08
0.28
0.40
0.60
1.00
Variable
Expected Flows and Speeds

Unit Width
Avg. Speed, S
Flow, v
Vol/Capacity
(ft/min)
(ped/min/ft)
Ratio
260
250
240
225
150
< 150
2
7
10
15
25
0.08
0.28
0.40
0.60
1.00
Variable

Exhibit 4-15
(R5)
Illustration of Walkway Levels of Service
LEVEL OF SERVICE A
Pedestrian Space: 12.1 m2/ped (130 ft2/ped)
Unit Width Flow: 6.1 ped/min/m (2
ped/min/ft)
Description: Walking speeds are freely
selected; conflicts with other pedestrians are
unlikely.
LEVEL OF SERVICE B
Pedestrian Space: 3.7 m2/ ped (40 ft2/ped)
ped/min/ft)
selected; pedestrians become aware of others
and respond to their presence.
LEVEL OF SERVICE C
ped/min/ft)
selected; passing is possible in unidirectional
streams; minor conflicts will exist for reverse
or crossing movements.
LEVEL OF SERVICE D
ped/min/ft)
Description: Freedom to select desired walking
speeds and to pass others is restricted; high
probability of conflicts for reverse or crossing
movements.
LEVEL OF SERVICE E
ped/min/ft)
Description: Walking speeds and passing
ability are restricted for all pedestrians;
foreword movement is possible only by
shuffling; reverse or cross movements are
possible only with extreme difficulties; traffic
volumes approach limit of walking capacity.
LEVEL OF SERVICE F
Unit Width Flow: variable
Description: Walking speeds are severely
restricted; frequent, unavoidable contact with
others; reverse or cross movements are
virtually impossible; flow is sporadic and
unstable.
Page 4-17
Evaluation Procedures
Determining Required Walkway Width

The procedures to determine the required walkway width for a transit terminal
corridor are based on maintaining a desirable pedestrian level of service. It is desirable
for pedestrian flows at most transit facilities to operate at or above level of service C or
D. Following is a list of steps recommended for determining the required walkway width:
1.
Based on the desired level of service, choose the maximum pedestrian flow rate
(pedestrians/min/m or pedestrians/min/ft) from Exhibit 4-15.
2.
Estimate the peak 15-minute pedestrian demand for the walkway.
3.
Compute the design pedestrian flow (pedestrians/min) by dividing the 15-min

demand by 15.
4.
Compute the required effective width of walkway (in meters or feet) by dividing
the design pedestrian flow by the maximum pedestrian flow rate.
5.
Compute the total width of walkway (in meters or feet) by adding one meter (3
ft), with an 0.4-meter (18-inch) buffer on each side to the effective width of
walkway.
Determining Walkway Capacity

As discussed above, the capacity of a walkway is taken to be 25 pedestrians/min/m
(8.25 pedestrians/min/ ft) (level of service E). Therefore, for a given walkway width, the
following steps may be used to compute the capacity:
1.
Compute the effective width of walkway (in ft) by subtracting one meter (3 ft )
from the total walkway width.
2.
Compute the design pedestrian flow (pedestrians per minute) by multiplying the
effective width of walkway by 8.25 pedestrians/min/m (25 pedestrians/min/ft).
3.
Compute the pedestrian capacity (pedestrians per hour) by multiplying the

design pedestrian flow by 60.
TICKET MACHINES
Design Factors
Prior to entering a platform area at a transit station, ticket machines or pay booths are
located for transit passengers to pay their fare. Exhibit 4-18 illustrates different ticket
machine/booth configurations at transit stations. At larger heavy rail stations, several
ticket machines are typically provided to handle peak passenger demand for tickets. At
most light rail stations, a single ticket machine on each platform is provided. Ticket
booths are used at older heavy rail stations and at many commuter rail stations.
There is no information currently available in the literature on passenger processing
times nor level of service standards for different types of ticket machines, as an aid in
identifying the number of machines required. The per passenger processing time can
substantially vary, depending on the readiness of the passenger to choose the correct fare
given the particular fare structure of the transit system to be used. Certainly passenger
processing time at ticket machines increases with complex zone fare systems, which
require some deciphering by the passenger at the machine prior to installing the correct
fare.
Page 4-18

Exhibit 4-16
Ticket Machine Examples
BART (Berkeley, CA)
RTD (Denver)
To identify the required number of ticket machines at a station, pre-testing of the
particular machine to be purchased could prove beneficial, to approximate an average
passenger processing time. In many cases, the number of machines, or booths, to be
required will be restricted by space, personnel, or cost constraints.
DOORWAYS AND FARE GATES
Design Factors
Doorways and fare gates limit the capacity of a walkway by imposing restricted
lateral spacing and by requiring pedestrians to perform a time-consuming activity.
Because of these restrictions on capacity, doorways and fare gates will impact the overall
capacity of a pedestrian walkway system within a transit terminal, and therefore will
require additional design considerations. Fare gates are typically applied at heavy rail
stations to control payment and passenger flow to and from a platform area. They are
applied to a lesser extent at commuter rail and light rail stations, due to the proof of
payment system associated with most of these systems.
Different types of fare gates

manual vs. automatichave
different capacity characteristics.
Exhibit 4-17 illustrates the placement and operation of fare gate configurations in a
transit terminal. There are three different types of fare gates applied in stations:
1.
free admission (pre-pay prior to accessing fare gates);
2.
coin- or token-operated; and
3.
automatic ticket reader.
Free admission fare gates are typically applied after a pay booth at a transit station
to monitor and control passenger flow into the platform area. Coin-operated fare gates
may have single or double slots to accept change. Automatic ticket reader machines,
using magnetic stripe farecards, have been used on newer heavy rail systems with
distance-based fares, such as BART in the San Francisco Bay Area and Metro in
Washington, D.C. A few stations still use station personnel to check and collect tickets
before allowing transit passenger access through a fare gate to the platform area. This
form of fare gate is most commonly used at sport stadiums and museums, rather than for
transit applications.
Page 4-19

Exhibit 4-17
Fare Gate Examples
Token (Toronto)
Magnetic Stripe Farecard (BART-Berkeley)
The effect of doorways and fare gates on pedestrian flow will depend on the
headway between pedestrians. When a pedestrian reaches a doorway or fare gate, there
must be sufficient time-headway separation to allow that pedestrian to pass through the
doorway or fare gate before the next pedestrian arrives. If time-headways between
successive pedestrians are too close, a growing pedestrian queue will develop.
The capacity of a doorway or fare gate is therefore determined by the minimum time
required by each pedestrian to pass through the entrance. Exhibit 4-18 summarizes
observed average headways for different types of doorways and fare gates. Although it is
recommended that observed headways be collected at fare gates for a transit terminal
similar to the one under investigation, the values in Exhibit 4-18 may be used if field
data is not available, with the lower value representing closer to a minimum headway.
Exhibit 4-18
(R3)
Observed Average Doorway and Fare Gate Headways
Type of Entrance
Doors
Free-Swinging
Revolving-one direction
Fare Gates
Free Admission
Ticket Collector
Single-Slot Coin-Operated
Double Slot Coin-Operated
Observed Average
Headway (s)
Equivalent Pedestrian
Volume (ped/min)
1.0-1.5
1.7-2.4
40-60
25-35
1.0-1.5
1.7-2.4
1.2-2.4
2.5-4.0
40-60
25-35
25-50
15-25

The level of service criteria used for evaluating doorway and fare gate operations are
the same as those used for evaluating walkways (see Exhibit 4-15). The objective is to
maintain a desirable average pedestrian flow rate (or walking speed) throughout the
pedway system. The capacity of a doorway or fare gate will be based on the minimum
headway required by a pedestrian to pass through the entrance.
Determining the Number of Doorways and Fare Gates

Similar to the evaluation procedures for walkways, the procedures to determine the
required number of doorways and fare gates are based on maintaining a desirable
pedestrian level of service. Following is a list of steps recommended for determining the
required number of doorways and fare gates:
Page 4-20

1.
from Exhibit4-15.
2.
Estimate the peak 15-minute pedestrian demand.
3.
Compute the design pedestrian flow (pedestrians per minute) by dividing the
15-minute demand by 15.
4.
Compute the required width of the doorway or fare gate (in meters or feet) by
dividing the design pedestrian flow by the maximum pedestrian flow rate.
5.
Compute the number of doorways or fare gates required by dividing the

required entrance width by the width of one doorway or fare gate (always round
up).
6.
Determine whether the design pedestrian flow exceeds the entrance capacity by
following the procedures below.
Determining Entrance Capacity

As discussed above, the capacity of a doorway or fare gate is based on the minimum
headway required by a pedestrian to pass through the entrance. The following steps may
be used to compute the capacity for a given number of entrances:
1.
Determine the minimum headway required (seconds) by pedestrians for a

particular type of doorway or fare gate either through field observations or by
using the lower headway value from Exhibit 4-18.
2.
Compute an equivalent pedestrian volume (pedestrians per minute) by dividing

60 by the minimum headway required.
3.
Compute total entrance capacity (pedestrians per minute) by multiplying the

equivalent pedestrian volume by the number of doorways or fare gates.
4.
Compute hourly pedestrian capacity by multiplying the total doorway or fare

gate capacity by 60.
STAIRWAYS
Design Factors
In stations where the platform area at transit stations is grade separated from the rest
of the station and the adjacent outside area, stairways have traditionally been applied as
the primary vertical pedestrian movement system. Exhibit 4-19 shows typical treatments.
Exhibit 4-19
Stairway Examples
Miami
Portland, OR
Page 4-21

The capacity of a stairway is largely affected by the stairway width. The width of
stairway affects the pedestrians ability to pass slower-moving pedestrians and to choose
a desirable speed. Unlike walkways, a minor pedestrian flow in the opposing direction on
a stairway can cut capacity in half; therefore, stairway design should consider
directionality of flow.
Critical passenger flows on
stairways occur in the
ascending direction.
Because pedestrians are required to exert a higher amount of energy to ascend stairs
when compared to descending stairs, lower flow rates typically result for the ascending
direction. For this reason, all references to stairway capacity in this section will be
confined to the ascending direction.
Ascending speeds on stairs have been shown to range from 12.2 m/min (40 ft/min)
to 50.2 m/min (165 ft/min). This range represents a comfortable and safe rate of ascent
for most pedestrians. pass slower-moving pedestrians.
Exhibit 4-20 illustrates the relationship between ascending speeds and pedestrian
space. This exhibit reveals that normal ascending speeds on stairs are attained at an
average pedestrian space of approximately 0.9 m2/person (10 ft2/person). Above
approximately 1.9 m2/person (20 ft2/ person), pedestrians are allowed to select their own
stair speed and to bypass slower-moving pedestrians.
Exhibit 4-20
Pedestrian Ascent Speed on Stairs(R3)
An alternative figure using

U.S. customary units appears
in Appendix A.
50
45
Slope Speed (m/min)
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
0.5
1.5
2.5
3.5
4.5
Pedestrian Area (m2/ped)
Exhibit 4-21 illustrates the relationship between flow rate on stairs in the ascending
direction and pedestrians space. As observed in this exhibit, the maximum ascending
flow rate occurs at a pedestrian space of approximately 0.3 m2/person (3 ft2/ person). For
this lower pedestrian space, ascending speeds are at the lower limit of the normal range
(see Exhibit 4-20). In this situation, forward progress is determined by the slowest
moving pedestrian. Although the maximum flow rate represents the capacity of the
stairway, it should not be used for a design value (except for emergency situations). At
capacity, ascending speeds are restricted and there is a high probability for intermittent
stoppages and queuing.
Passenger queuing can also occur at the destination end of stairways, if people are
forced to converge on too constricted a space. This can be a serious design deficiency in
certain terminal facilities, with potential liability exposure. This is at least as important
as insuring that adequate space is provided at entry points.
Page 4-22

Exhibit 4-21
(R3)
Pedestrian Flow Volumes on Stairs
An alternative figure using U.S.
customary units appears in
Appendix A.
Pedestrian Flow (ped/m width/min)
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0
0.5
1.5
2.5
3.5
4.5
Pedestrian Area (m2/ped)

The required width of a stairway is based on maintaining a desirable pedestrian level
of service. The level of service standards for stairways are based on average pedestrian
space and average flow rate. Exhibit 4-22 summarizes the level of service criteria for
stairways. Level of service E (55.8 passengers per meter width per minute or 17
passengers per foot width per minute) represents the capacity of a stairway.
Exhibit 4-22
Level of Service Criteria for Stairways(R3)
Average
Pedestrian Space
in m2/ped
2
(ft /ped)
Unit Width
Flow in
ped/m/min
(ped/ft/min)
1.9
(> 20)
16.4
( 5)
1.4-1.9
(15-20)
16,4-23.0
(5-7)
0.91.4
(1015)
23.0-32.8
(7-10)
0.7-0.9
(710)
32.8-42.6
(10-13)
0.4-0.7
(4-7)
42.6-55.8
(13-17)
0.4
(< 4)
Variable to
55.8
(17)
Level of
Service
Description
Sufficient area to freely select speed and to
pass slower-moving pedestrians. Reverse
flow cause limited conflicts.
Sufficient area to freely select speed with
some difficulty in passing slower-moving
pedestrians. Reverse flows cause minor
conflicts.
Speeds slightly restricted due to inability to
pass slower-moving pedestrians. Reverse
flows cause some conflicts.
Speeds restricted due to inability to pass
slower-moving pedestrians. Reverse flows
cause significant conflicts.
Speeds of all pedestrians reduced.
Intermittent stoppages likely to occur.
Reverse flows cause serious conflicts.
Complete breakdown in traffic flow with
many stoppages. Forward progress
dependent on slowest moving pedestrians.
Page 4-23
When designing stairways,
consideration:(R3)
the
following factors should
be
taken into
Clear areas large enough to allow for queuing pedestrians should be provided at
the approaches to all stairways.
Riser heights should be kept below 0.18 meters (7 inches) to reduce energy
expenditure and to increase traffic efficiency.
When a stairway is placed directly within a corridor, the lower capacity of the
stairway is the controlling factor in the design of the pedway section.
When minor, reverse-flow traffic volumes frequently occur on a stair, the effective
width of the stair for the major-direction design flow should be reduced by a minimum of
one traffic lane, or 0.8 meters (30 inches).
Following are the steps necessary to calculate the width of stairway, stairway
capacity, and queuing area required for a given peak pedestrian volume.
Stairway Width
The procedures to determine the required stairway width are based on maintaining a
desirable pedestrian level of service. For normal use, it is desirable for pedestrian flows to
operate at or above level of service C or D. However, in most modern terminals,
escalators would be provided to accommodate pedestrians. Stairs, therefore, are typically
provided as a supplement to the escalators to be used when the escalators are over
capacity or during a power failure. Under these circumstances, maximum stair capacity,
or level of service E (51.8 pedestrians per meter width per minute or 17 pedestrians per
foot width per minute), may be assumed. Following is a list of steps recommended for
determining the required stairway width:
1.
from Exhibit 4-24.
2.
Estimate the directional peak 15-minute pedestrian demand for the stairway.
3.
Compute the design pedestrian flow (pedestrians/minute) by dividing the 15minute demand by 15.
4.
Compute the required width of stairway (in meters or feet) by dividing the design
pedestrian flow by the maximum pedestrian flow rate.
5.
When minor, reverse-flow traffic volumes frequently occur on a stairway, the

required width of the stairway should be increased by a minimum of one traffic
lane (0.8 meters, or 30 inches).
Stairway Capacity
As discussed above, the capacity of a stairway is taken to be 51.8 pedestrians per
meter width per minute (17 pedestrians per foot width per minute) (level of service E).
Therefore, for a given stairway width, the following steps may be used to compute the
capacity:
1.
Compute the design pedestrian flow (pedestrians per minute) by multiplying the
width of stairway by 51.8 pedestrians/meter width/minute (17 pedestrians/foot
width/minute).
2.
Compute the pedestrian capacity (pedestrians per hour) by multiplying the

design pedestrian flow by 60.
Page 4-24

Size of Queuing Area
1.
Compute the capacity of the stairway using the above procedures.
2.
Compute the maximum demand by determining the maximum number of

pedestrians arriving at the approach of the stairway at one time.
3.
Determine the number of arriving pedestrians exceeding capacity by subtracting

the capacity from the demand.
4.
Compute the required queue area by multiplying the number of pedestrians

exceeding capacity by 0.5 m2 (5 ft2) per pedestrian.
ESCALATORS
Design Factors
Escalators have been installed in most new train stations where there is grade
separation between the platform area and the rest of the station and the outside adjacent
area. Typically escalators supplement the provision of stairways, in many cases located
adjacent to one another. Exhibit 4-23 shows a typical escalator configuration at a transit
station.
Exhibit 4-23
Typical Escalator Configuration at a Transit Station (Denver)
The capacity of an escalator is dependent upon the angle of incline, stair width, and
operating speed. In the United States, the normal angle of incline of escalators is 30
degrees, and the stair width is either 0.6 or 1.1 meters (24 or 40 inches) (at the tread).
Operating speeds are typically either 27.4 or 36.6 meters/min (90 or 120 ft/min). These
operating speeds are within the average range of stair-climbing speeds.
Studies have shown that increasing the speed of an escalator from 27.4 to 36.6
meters per min (90 to 120 feet per min) can increase the capacity by as much as 12
percent. An interesting finding is that the practice of walking on a moving escalator does
not significantly increase escalator capacity. A moving pedestrian must occupy two steps
at a time, thereby reducing the standing capacity of the escalator.
As for stairways, both ends of an escalator will require some queuing area if
passenger demand exceeds the capacity of the facility. This is especially important for
escalators, as passengers are unable to queue on a moving escalator, as they
(undesirably) might be able to on a stairway.
Page 4-25
The size of the queuing area

provided at the exiting end of an
escalator is an important
consideration.

Capacity Standards
Escalator manufacturers rate the maximum theoretical capacity of their units based
on a 100 percent step utilization. Studies have shown, however, that 100 percent
utilization is never obtained. Escalator steps not being utilized under a heavy demand
may be due to any of the following factors:
intermittent pedestrian arrival process;
pedestrians inability to board quickly;
pedestrians carrying baggage or packages; and
pedestrians desire for a more comfortable space.
Because 100 percent utilization is typically not attainable, nominal design capacity
values have been developed (see Exhibit 4-24). These values represent a step utilization
of 1 person every other step on a 24-inch-wide escalator and one person per step on a 40inch-wide escalator.
Exhibit 4-24
Nominal Escalator Capacity Values(R3)
Width at Tread
m (in)
0.6 (24)
1.0 (40)
Incline Speed
m/min (ft/min)
27.4 (90)
36.6 (120)
27.4 (90)
36.6 (120)
Nominal Capacity
(persons/h)
2040
2700
4080
5400
Nominal Capacity
(persons/min)
34
45
68
90
Number of Escalators
The procedures to determine the required number of escalators are based on the
width and speed of the escalator being considered. Following is a list of steps
recommended for determining the required number of escalators:
1.
Estimate the directional peak 15-minute pedestrian demand for the escalator.
2.
Compute the design pedestrian flow (pedestrians per minute) by dividing the
15-minute demand by 15.
3.
Based on the width and speed of the escalator, choose the nominal capacity
(pedestrians per minute) from Exhibit 4-24.
4.
Compute the required number of escalators by dividing the design pedestrian

flow by the nominal capacity of one escalator.
Size of Queuing Area

The possibility that escalators can generate large queues, even at pedestrian
demands below nominal capacity, should be considered. Queues may generate when
demand exceeds capacity or when pedestrian arrival is intermittent or persons are
carrying baggage or luggage. For these situations, an adequate queuing area should be
placed at the approach of an escalator based on an average pedestrian space of 1.65 m2
(5 ft2) per person. (Note: Where alternative stationary stairs are conveniently available,
the maximum wait time for an escalator may be assumed to be one minute.) Sufficient
space should also be provided at the discharge end of an escalator to avoid conflicts with
other traffic streams. Following are steps to computing the required size of queuing area
for the approach to an escalator:
Page 4-26

1.
Determine the capacity of the escalator from Exhibit 4-24.
2.
Compute the maximum demand by determining the maximum number of

pedestrians arriving at the approach of the escalator at one time. (Assume
pedestrians having to wait more than one minute at the escalator will take the
stairs, if available.)
3.
Determine the number of arriving pedestrians exceeding capacity by subtracting

the capacity from the demand.
4.
Compute the required queue area by multiplying the number of pedestrians

exceeding capacity by 1.65 m2 (5 ft2) per pedestrian.
ELEVATORS
Design Factors
Elevators are required in all new transit or modified transit stations in the U.S. to
meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Elevators are typically
provided at one end of the platform. However, certain transit systems (e.g., BART and
WMATA) provide elevators in the center of the platform at some stations. Separate
elevators may be needed between the street and the concourse and between that level
and the platforms. Side platforms require two elevators.
Elevators in new or modified bus or

rail stations are required in gradeseparated facilities to meet ADA
requirements.
Good, on-going elevator maintenance is important for maintaining accessibility for

mobility-impaired passengers at transit stations. As a cost-saving measure, most transit
stations provide only one elevator per platform, or from the concourse level to the street.
However, when any of these elevators are out of service, the station is effectively
inaccessible to mobility-impaired passengers. Although these passengers can be served
during these times by directing them to alternate stations and providing them with
paratransit bus service to their destination, it is much less convenient for these
passengers and serves to reduce the accessibility and convenience of the transit system
as a whole to ADA passengers.
On-going elevator maintenance is

important for keeping stations
consistently ADA accessible.
Exhibit 4-25 shows a typical elevator location in a transit station. Traffic flow on
elevators differs from other vertical pedestrian movers. As opposed to escalators and
stairs which provide constant service, elevators provide on-demand service. Because of
its characteristics, determining the capacity of an elevator is similar to determining the
capacity of a transit vehicle.
Exhibit 4-25
Example Elevator Application at a Transit Station (Portland, OR)
Page 4-27
The level of service of an elevator system is typically based on average wait time.
The tolerance level for an acceptable waiting time for elevator service at a transit terminal
is around 30 seconds. Average pedestrian space, personal comfort, and degrees of internal
mobility in the elevator cab are not considered as important because of the short time
period associated with the elevator ride.
Elevator Capacity
The capacity of an elevator system depends on the following three factors:
boarding and alighting characteristics of users;
elevator travel time; and
practical standing capacity of the cab.
Boarding and alighting times will depend on door width and whether passengers are
carrying baggage or luggage. The number of passengers boarding may also have an affect
on boarding rates. Studies that have investigated boarding rates for transit vehicles have
found that boarding rates increase as the number of passengers increase due to peer
pressure. To determine average boarding and alighting times for a particular elevator
system, it is recommended that field data be collected.
Elevator travel time will be based on the operating characteristics of the elevator,
including the following:
distance traveled (height of shaft);
elevator shaft speed;
shaft acceleration and deceleration rates; and
elevator door opening and closing speeds.
The above factors will remain constant for a particular elevator system. The practical
standing capacity of an elevator will be based on the following:
presence of heavy winter clothing;
presence of baggage or luggage; and
users familiarity with one another.
The presence of heavy clothing and baggage or luggage increases the required area
per person, and therefore, reduces standing capacity. In addition, studies have shown that
if traffic is composed of groups of persons known to each other, lower pedestrian space
per person will be tolerated.
Although most persons require 1 m2 (3 ft2) or more to feel comfortable in an elevator,
the standing capacity may be assumed to be 0.7 m2 (2 ft2) per person. As mentioned
above, riders of elevators are more willing to accept lower personal space because of the
short time period associated with the elevator ride.
PLATFORMS
Design Factors
Transit platforms function as queuing areas for passengers waiting for a transit
vehicle to arrive and as circulation areas for both departing and arriving passengers. The
effective platform area required is based on maintaining a minimum level of service for
queuing and circulation. It is important to note that transit platforms have critical
passenger holding capacities, that if exceeded, could result in passengers being pushed
Page 4-28

onto tracks or roadways. Exhibit 4-26 illustrates typical side and center, and high and
low platform configurations at stations.
Exhibit 4-26
Typical Transit Station Platform Configurations
Center, High Platform (Miami)
Side, Low Platform (Portland, OR)

Queuing level of service standards for transit platforms and the same for bus stop
waiting areas, and are illustrated in Exhibit 4-1. These criteria are based on average
pedestrian space, personal comfort, and degrees of internal mobility. Passenger space in
the level of service E category are experienced only on the most crowded elevators or
transit vehicles. Level of service D represents crowding with some internal circulation
possible; however, this level of service is not recommended for long-term waiting
periods.
The shape and configuration of a platform is dictated by many system-wide factors.
Platform length is typically based on transit vehicle length and the number of transit
vehicles using the platform at any one time. Platform width is dependent upon structural
considerations, pedestrian queuing space, circulation requirements, and entry/exit
locations.
Transit platforms can be divided into the following four areas:(R11)
walking areas;
waiting areas;
dead areas; and
queue storage.
Exhibit 4-27 illustrates the use of these areas for a transit platform serving buses.
Page 4-29

Exhibit 4-27
(R11)
Four Areas of a Transit Platform
Bus
Waiting Area
Bus
Dead
Area
Bus
Waiting Area
Dead
Area
Waiting Area
Bus
Dead
Area
Waiting Area
Stair
Stair
Queue Storage
There are several different

components of a platform
which impact capacity and
size requirements.
Walking Area
Queue Storage
Walking and waiting do not occur evenly over the platform area. Some areas are
used primarily for walking (e.g., near entry/exit locations and along the back edge of the
platform) while other areas are used primarily for waiting (e.g., loading areas).
Areas that are generally not used by passengers are termed dead areas. These
areas are typically present between buses at a bus terminal or in front of or behind a train
at a rail terminal. Dead areas should be taken into consideration when choosing the size
and configuration of a platform.
Platform Sizing
The procedures to determine the size of a transit platform are based on maintaining
a desirable pedestrian level of service. For transit platforms, the design level of service
should be C to D or better. Following is a list of steps recommended for determining the
desired platform size:
1.
Based on the desired level of service, choose the average pedestrian space from
Exhibit 4-1.
2.
Estimate the maximum pedestrian demand for the platform at a given time.
3.
Calculate the required waiting space by multiplying the average pedestrian

space by the maximum pedestrian demand.
4.
Calculate the additional walkway width needed by using the appropriate

procedures for walkways described previously.
5.
Calculate the queue storage space required for exit points (at stairs, escalators,
and elevators) by using the appropriate procedures described previously.
6.
Consider the additional platform space that will used as dead areas.
7.
Add a 1-meter (3-ft) buffer zone (0.5 meters, or 18 inches on each side) to the
width of the platform.
8.
Calculate the total platform area by summing required waiting space, walkway
width, queue storage at exit points, dead areas, and buffer zone width.
COMPREHENSIVE PASSENGER PROCESSING ANALYSIS

The various components of a transit station in many cases interact with one another
in impacting station capacity, by their proximity to one another and with the number of
transit passengers which have to be processed. To allow a comprehensive assessment of
the interaction of different station components on capacity, a broader passenger
processing system evaluation should be conducted for larger, more heavily-utilized
stations. Simulation models are now available to model alternate transit station designs
as to their ability to effectively process transit passengers within certain level of service
parameters.
Page 4-30
A key capacity analysis for larger transit stations is the egress capacity needed to
accommodate passenger demands during the peak 15-minute period to ensure that the
station platform is clear before the next train arrives. In this case, the general solution is
as follows:
Transit station egress capacity is a

key capacity consideration.
Passengers/train
Train headway (minutes)
Capacity (passengers/minute)
Equation 4-4
or
Capacity (passengers/minute)
Passengers/train
Train headway (minutes)
Equation 4-5
Because people may not use all available exits, some safety factor is needed. This
could be as much as 20-30%.
Manual Method/Input to Simulation Models
In the absence of a transit station simulation model, a basic assessment of the
interactions of different station components on capacity can be assessed by the
establishment and evaluation of a link-node network.(R4) This network data also serves as
a typical input into computer station simulation models. The methodology includes the
following steps:
Step 1: Define the System as a Link-Node Network

Paths passengers take through a terminal (origin-destination pairs) are transformed
into a network of links and nodes. Each link, being a passageway , can be described by
four elements: (1) typewhether it is a level walkway, ramp, stairway, escalator, or
elevator; (2) movements allowedwhether it is one-way or two-way (shared or not
shared); (3) length (in meters or feet); and (4) minimum width (meters or feet or inches).
Nodes are queuing points and/or decision points. They are typically fare collection
devices, doors, platform entrances or exits, and junctions of paths.
Step 2: Determine Pedestrian Volumes for the Identified Analysis Period

For each pedestrian origin-destination pair within a station, a pedestrian volume
would be assigned for the identified analysis period (typically the peak hour or the peak
5-15 minutes within the peak hour). Origin-destination pairs would distinguish between
inbound and outbound passengers.
Step 3: Determine Path Choice

The particular path or alternate paths which a passenger must or can traverse between
a particular origin-destination pair (for both inbound and outbound passengers) is
identified.
Step 4: Load Inbound Passengers Onto the Network

Inbound passenger volumes for the analysis period are assigned to applicable links
and nodes.
Step 5: Load Outbound Passengers Onto the Network

Outbound passenger volumes for the analysis period are assigned to applicable links
and nodes.
Page 4-31
Step 6: Determine Walk Times and Crowding on Links
In order to calculate the walk times and crowding measures on a link, the flow on that
link should be adjusted to reflect peak within the peak hour conditions (typically 5-15
minutes).
Effective widths of links and nodes are the actual minimum widths or doorway
widths. When a wall is located on one side of a corridor, 0.5 meters (1.5 ft) is typically
subtracted. A buffer of 0.6 meters (2 ft) is typically subtracted for obstructions placed in
corridors, such as trash cans and lockers. A buffer of 0.3 meters (1 ft) is typically
subtracted for walls in stairwells because transit users on the outside often use handrails.
Finally, 0.9 meters (3 ft) is typically subtracted to compensate for two-way movements on
stairs.
The adjusted flow is then divided by the effective width to determine the number of
pedestrians per meter or foot width per minute. For a given level of service, the average
space mean speed can be identified from Exhibit 4-14 for walkways, Exhibit 4-22 for
stairways, and Exhibit 4-26 for escalators.
Step 7: Determine Queuing Times and Crowding at Nodes

Passenger queues at nodes can be estimated using the following equations, which are
considered to be appropriate for calculating the expected time in the queuing system, W,
and the expected number in the queue, Lq:
S R ( AR / S R ) P0
k
W=
(k 1)!(kS R AR )
1
SR
Equation 4-6
where:
W
AR
SR
k
P0
=
=
=
=
=
expected time in the queuing system (minutes);

arrival rate (persons/minute);
service rate of single channel (persons/minute);
number of service channels; and
probability of no passenger queue at a particular node,
from Equation 4-8.
AR S R ( AR / S R ) P0
k
Lq =
(k 1)!(kS R AR )2
Equation 4-7
where:
Lq
P0 =
expected number in the queue (persons).
1
kS R
1
1
k
( AR / S R )n + ( AR / S R )
kS R AR
n = 0 n!
k!
k 1
Equation 4-8
These equations are dependent on the assumption that arrival and service rates are
randomly distributed according to the Poisson distribution. This assumption may be
questionable for exiting passengers at certain rail stations and bus terminals, due to the
Page 4-32
high peaking nature of this movement, and should be modified through field investigation
as appropriate.
Step 8: Determine Wait Times for Transit Vehicles

Wait times for transit vehicles are a key input to determining required queuing areas
on platforms. A typical assumption used is that wait time is half the bus or train headway.
Step 9: Add Travel Time Components and Assess Overall Level of Service
Overall travel times for different origin-destination pairs can be totaled and averaged
to identify an average passenger processing time through a particular transit station. This
can then be translated into an overall passenger processing level of service.
Computer Simulation Models
Computer simulation models are increasingly being applied to identify passenger
flows and queuing in major transit terminals. These models facilitate the evaluation of
overall station layout alternatives, as well as sizing specific processing elements, such as
walkways, stairways, escalators, and platforms.
Simulation models simplify transit

station passenger processing
analysis.
Real-Time Passenger Information Systems

In recent years, new electronic technology has been developed to provide improved
traveler information systems. For transit stations, real-time passenger communications
can assist in managing passenger flows and queues. This can include providing
information on bus and train departure times, bus and train berth locations, and out-ofservice elevators and other facilities.
Page 4-33
Page 4-34
4. REFERENCES
1.
Benz, Gregory P., Application of the Time-Space Concept to a Transportation

Terminal Waiting and Circulation Area, Transportation Research Record 1054,
Transportation Research Board, Washington, DC (1986).
2.
Demetsky, Michael J., Lester A. Hoel, and Mark A. Virkler, Methodology for the
Design of Urban Transportation Interface Facilities, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Program of University Research, Washington, DC (1976).
3.
Fruin, John J., Pedestrian Planning and Design, Revised Edition, Elevator World,
Inc., Mobile, Alabama (1987).
4.
Griffths, John R., Lester A. Hoel, and M.J. Demetsky, Transit Station Renovation: A
Case Study of Planning and Design Procedures, U.S. Department of Transportation,
Research and Special Programs Administration, Washington, DC (1979).
5.
Highway Capacity Manual, TRB Special Report 209, Transportation Research

Board, Washington, DC (1997).
6.
Levinson, H.S., Analyzing Transit Travel Time Performance, Transportation

Research Record 915, Transportation Research Board, Washington, DC (1983).
7.
Levinson, H.S., C.L. Adams, C.L., and W.F. Hoey, Bus Use of Highways
Planning and Design Guidelines, NCHRP Report 155, Transportation Research
Board, Washington, DC (1975).
8.
Levinson, Herbert S. and Kevin R. St. Jacques, Bus Lane Capacity Revisited,
Preprint 100, presented at the Transportation Research Board 1998 Annual Meeting.
9.
National Transportation Safety Board, Highway Accident Summary Report: Bus

Collision with Pedestrians, Normandy, Missouri, June 11, 1997, Report PB98916201, NTSB, Washington, DC (1998).
10. St. Jacques, Kevin and Herbert S. Levinson, Operational Analysis of Bus Lanes on
Arterials, TCRP Report 26, Transportation Research Board, Washington, DC
(1997).
11. Transportation Planning Handbook, Institute of Transportation Engineers, Prentice
Hall (1992).
12. Texas Transportation Institute, Guidelines for the Location and Design of Bus
Stops, TCRP Report 19, Transportation Research Board, Washington, DC (1996).
Page 4-35
Chapter 4References
Page 4-36
Chapter 4References
5. EXAMPLE PROBLEMS
1.
2.
3.
4.
Transit Center Design

Terminal Concourse Design
Escalator Addition
Required Queue Storage Area
Page 4-37
Chapter 5Example Problems
Example Problem 1
Transit center design.
(R5)
The Situation
A transit agency plans to construct a suburban transit center.
The Question
What are the base year 2000 and design year 2015 berth
requirements?
The Facts
The bus lines serving the proposed transit center are identified below. Year 2000
data are based on actual schedules, while year 2015 data are based on a growth
forecast of 60% for local bus service and 100% for freeway bus service.
Bus berths will be assigned according to principal geographical destinations.
Bus dwell times will be approximately 5 minutes per bus passing through the center
and 8 minutes for buses that begin and end trips there.
Route
#
Route
Name
Peak Direction Buses Off-Peak Dir. Buses

2000
2015
2000
2015
LOCAL SERVICE
Service
Type
42
Holman
Crosstown
13
Terminating
68
Brays Bayou
Crosstown
Terminating
76
Lockwood
Crosstown
Through
77
MLK
Limited
10
10
Through
22
35
10
EXPRESSWAY SERVICE
16
Subtotal Local
242
Clear Lake
Park-and-Ride
Through
245
Edgewood
Park-and-Ride
Through
250
Hobby
Park-and-Ride
Through
255
Fuqua
Park-and-Ride
Through
41
Garden Villas
Limited
Through
147
Sagemont
Express
Through
Subtotal Express
TOTAL
16
38
32
67
6
16
12
28
Comments
In 2000, 22 local buses and 16 express buses will use the transit center in the peak
direction, while some 10 local buses and 6 express buses will use it in the off-peak
direction.
Bus dwell times are longer than the 3-minute passenger service time needed to fill an
empty bus to seated capacity, assuming that exact fares are paid on the bus, to allow
for schedule irregularities and (for the terminating routes) driver layover time.
Page 4-38
Steps
The table below provides estimated berth requirements for 2000 and 2015. The berths
were estimated as follows:
1.
The bus routes were grouped by geographic destination in 3 categories.
2.
The capacity of each type of service was obtained by the equation c = 60 / td, where
td was the specified dwell time (clearance time was neglected, as it is short in
comparison to the dwell times at the transit center). Thus a 5-minute dwell time could
accommodate 12 buses/berth/hour; an 8-minute dwell time, 7.5 buses/berth/hour.
3.
The number of inbound berths for the a.m. peak hour were computed by dividing the
number of buses by the berth capacity. Thus, for lines 42 and 68, in 1985, 12 buses
would need 12 / 7.5 or 1.6 berths, rounded up to 2 berths.
4.
The bus routes that start at the center would need only inbound berths. The other
bus routes would need an equal number of outbound berths to accommodate p.m.
peak hour bus flows and to ensure that each major geographic destination would
have its own specified area.
The Results
For the year 2000, the following calculations result:
Dwell
Buses/
A.M.
Service Time/Bus Berth/ Inbound Inbound Max. Outbound Total
Route
Type
(min)
Hour
Buses
Berths Berths for P.M. Berths
LOCAL SERVICE
42-68
Start
8
7.5
12
2
0
2
76
Through
5
12
4
1
1
2
77
Through
5
12
6
1
1
2
22
4
2
6
Subtotal
EXPRESSWAY SERVICE
All
Through
5
12
16
2
2
4
38
6
4
10
TOTAL
For the year 2015, the following calculations result:
Dwell
Buses/
A.M.
Service Time/Bus Berth/ Inbound Inbound Max. Outbound Total
Route
Type
(min)
Hour
Buses
Berths Berths for P.M. Berths
LOCAL SERVICE
42-68
Start
8
7.5
19
3
0
3
76
Through
5
12
6
1
1
2
77
Through
5
12
10
1
1
2
35
5
2
7
Subtotal
EXPRESSWAY SERVICE
All
Through
5
12
32
3
3
6
67
8
5
13
TOTAL
The total berth requirements represent the sum of the inbound and outbound berths. As a
result, 10 loading positions are needed for year 2000 conditions, and 13 loading positions
are needed for year 2015 conditions. Ideally, 15 loading positions should be provided to
account for growth and traffic fluctuations within the peak hour.
Note that 38 inbound buses with a berth capacity of 10 buses/berth/hour would require
only 4 inbound loading positions in 2000 if routes were not separated geographically.
However, this is not advisable when one considers clarity to the riding public, so that 6
berths are anticipated based on the grouping shown above.
Page 4-39
Example Problem 2
Terminal concourse design:
doors, corridor width, and
stairs.
(R3)
The Situation
A two-level commuter transportation terminal will be

constructed to serve a downtown area.
The Question
Based on the estimated demand, how many entrance doors

will be needed, how wide should the main access corridor be,
and how many stairways will be needed and how wide should
they be? In the event of a service stoppage, how will
pedestrian level of service be affected?
The Facts
The 15-minute design peak passenger demand is 5,000 passengers.
During the peak 15 minutes, a short 5-minute micro-peak is expected to occur, with
demand volumes estimated to be 50% higher than the average for the design period.
Comments
Commuter transportation terminals are subject to recurrent peaks of severe, but rather
short, duration. Generally they are designed for the recurring 15-minute peak period, but
the consequences of surges within the peak should be considered. Because the micropeaks are of high volumes, space is usually restricted; however, their short duration and
the fact that the users have knowledge of the facility may justify the assumption of lower
levels-of-service.
Level of Service D (LOS D) would be representative of reasonable design for a facility of
this type. Traffic flows for this design level are as follows:
Entrances and corridors: 30.5-45.7 ped/min/m (from Exhibit 4-16)
Stairs: 32.8-42.6 ped/min/m (from Exhibit 4-24)

Because the users are commuters, the higher value of the ranges will be applied.
Steps
(a) Entrance Doors
Assuming a 1-meter-wide door, the pedestrian flow rate at LOS D would be:
1 m x 45.7 ped/min/m = 45.7 ped/min
This flow rate is equivalent to a headway of:
60 sec/ min
45.7 ped / min
= 1.31 sec/ped
and a distance between pedestrians of:

1.31 sec/ped x 1.3 m/sec (walking speed) = 1.7 m/ped
This is rather close, but compares with observed use of free-swinging doors. Also, during
heavy traffic, pedestrians may be observed holding the door for the following pedestrian,
reducing clearance times slightly.
The required number of doors is:
5000 peds
= 7.3 or 8 doors, major flow only
15 min 45.7 ped / min
Two additional doors should be provided to serve the minor direction flow, so a total of 10
doors should be provided. At 1 meter width per door, the minimum width needed for these
doors is 10 meters.
Page 4-40
(b) Corridor Width
Based on building code requirements, minimum corridor width must be equal to the
entrance width. However, the effective corridor width, with deductions for obstructions,
should be used in calculations:
Effective corridor width =
5000 peds
15 min 45.7 ped/min/m
= 7.3 m
Add 0.6 m to each side of corridor for door openings; also add 1.2 m for column
obstructions.
7.3 + 2 (0.6) + 1.2 = 9.7 m total corridor width.
(c) Stairway Width

For LOS D:
Stairway Width =
5000 peds
= 7.8 m
In most modern terminals, escalators would be provided to supplement stairs. On the

assumption that cost limitations allowed the installation of the only three escalators
operating up, required stair width could be significantly reduced. Based on the observed
capacities of Exhibit 4-26, virtually all pedestrians could be accommodated by the
escalators. However, because this is a transit terminal, the designer should consider that
a power failure might put all the escalators out of service. Some agencies do not permit
pedestrians to walk on stopped escalators.
On the assumption that stationary stairs will supplement the escalators, and would be
used totally only during a power failure, maximum stair capacity, or LOS E (55.8
ped/min/m from Exhibit 4-24), can be assumed. The width of the supplementary stairs is:
Stair Width =
5000 peds
= 6.0 m
(d) Evaluation of the Micro Peak

The five-minute surge in traffic (50 percent greater than the 15-minute average) will cause
temporary reductions in service levels and result in queuing at some service facilities. At
the entrances, the micro peak is the equivalent of a surge flow of:
5000 peds 1.5 (surge factor)

15 min
= 500 ped/min
For eight 1-meter-wide doors, this equates to a unit width flow of:
500 ped/min
8 1 m
= 62.5 ped/min/m
This flow is in the LOS E range (see Exhibit 4-16). The doors have been designed for
LOS D, which equates to a pedestrian flow rate of:
8 x 45.7 ped/min = 366 ped/min
The headway equivalent of the surge flow on the 8 doors is:
60 sec/min
(500 ped/min) / (8 doors)
= 0.96 sec/ped/door
Page 4-41
and a distance between pedestrians of:
0.96 sec/ped x 1.3 m/sec (walking speed) = 1.2 m/ped
The door opening and clearance time is at the maximum. A close examination of the
minor flow traffic characteristics might allow for partial use of the other two doors,
otherwise more doors, or alternative entrance locations, are required. The use of an air
curtain entrance, the width of the corridor, would satisfy all design assumptions.
The surge flow in the corridor is equal to the pedestrian volume divided by the effective
corridor width:
500 ped/min
7.3 m
= 68.5 ped/min/m
This flow is the equivalent of LOS E (see Exhibit 4-17), which is below critical density flow,
and could be tolerated for short periods without generating serious backups.
If a complete service stoppage should occur during the 15-minute design peak,
pedestrian holding space for 5,000 persons would be required. Because the waiting
2
period is of longer duration, a minimum pedestrian area of 0.7 m per person (LOS C to D
in Exhibit 4-1) is recommended for evaluation of concourse adequacy.
Concourse area for service stoppage:
2
5000 peds x 0.7 m /ped = 3500 m
Sufficient area should be provided for this contingency in all the public open space in the
terminal. If this is not possible, alternative operating procedures should be developed to
prevent a dangerous overcrowding.
The Results
For the identified peak passenger demand, a systematic

approach was applied to size the number of doors and the
corridor and stairway widths required. Level of service D was
applied for normal peak 15-minute conditions, and LOS E for
peak surge (5-minute) conditions.
Page 4-42
Example Problem 3
(R3)
The Situation
A subway platform on an urban heavy rail line will be modified

to install an up direction escalator at the center of a subway
platform.
The Question
What is the pedestrian queuing and delay for the proposed

installation?
Escalator addition.
The Facts
Field counts of passengers discharged by the subway trains show that maximum
traffic occurs during a short micro-peak, when two trains arrive within two minutes of
each other, carrying 225 and 275 passengers, respectively.
The remaining trains in the peak period are on a 4-minute headway.
The platform is 275 meters long, and 4.6 meters wide.
Field observations of other subway stations in this city with similar passenger
volumes reveal a maximum escalator capacity of 100 passengers per minute (for the
assumed 36.6 m/min, one-meter-wide escalators in this example), as opposed to the
nominal capacity of 90 pedestrians per minute in Exhibit 4-26.
Steps
Construction of Time Clearance Diagram:
1. A graph is constructed (see the figure on the next page), with time, in minutes, as the
horizontal axis, and pedestrians as the vertical axis.
2. The escalator capacity of 100 pedestrians per minute is then drawn (dashed sloped
line).
3. The arrival rate at the escalator is a function of the train discharge time and walking
time required to reach the escalator. If it is assumed that pedestrians are discharged
uniformly along the length of the platform, and the escalator is located in the center
of the platform, arrival time can be approximately represented on the clearance
diagram by determining the time required to walk half the platform length. A
commuter walking speed of 91.4 m/min (300 ft/min) is used in this example.
Total arrival time =
1/2 platform length

137.5 m
=
= 1.5 min
average walking speed 91.4 m/min
The two train arrivals, of 225 and 275 pedestrians, are plotted as solid lines on the time
clearance diagram shown below.
Page 4-43
Maximum Queue Size and Maximum Wait
Assuming all the passengers will use the escalator and not the stairs, the clearance
diagram illustrates a number of significant facts. The stippled area between the
pedestrian arrival rate(solid line), and the escalator service rate (dashed line), represents
total waiting time.
Division of the waiting time area by the number of arriving pedestrians gives average
pedestrian waiting time. The maximum vertical intercept between these two lines
represents maximum pedestrian queue length. The maximum horizontal intercept
represents the clearance interval of the platform.
The clearance diagram shows that a maximum queue size of 75 persons would be
generated by the first train arrival, if all persons seek escalator service. It also shows that
25 persons will still be waiting for the escalator service when the next train arrives. The
Maximum waiting time for escalator service after the first train arrival is one minute. The
average pedestrian waiting time is 15 seconds. After the second train arrival, the
maximum waiting and maximum queue size builds up to 1.5 minutes and 150
pedestrians, respectively. If it is assumed that pedestrians will divert to the stairs if the
maximum escalator wait exceeds one minute, a one-minute-wide horizontal intercept on
the graph shows that maximum queue size will not likely get larger than 50 pedestrians.
This is about the limit observed for low-rise escalators of this type, where alternative
stationary stairs are conveniently available.
Waiting Area and Platform Level of Service

2
At a jam area occupancy of about 0.5 m per pedestrian, 100 pedestrians in a queue
2
require 46.5 m of waiting area. For the 4.6 meter-wide platform of this example, this
queue would occupy about 9.1 to 12.2 lineal meters on the platform. If the platform is the
one-sided-loading type, the escalator should be offset to minimize this queue
interference.
The time clearance diagram indicates that with one train unloading, there will be a
maximum of about 315 pedestrians walking along the platform and waiting for the
escalator. This pedestrian volume results in an average pedestrian area of:
275 m (length) 4.6 m (width)

= 4 m 2 / pedestrian
315 pedestrians
This pedestrian area equates to a LOS A (see Exhibit 4-1). Levels of pedestrian queuing
capacity on the platform based on various levels of service are as follows:
LOS E (Danger Level) : Capacity =
275 m 4.6 m
= 4215 ped
0.3 m 2 / ped
LOS D (Jam Capacity) : Capacity =
275 m 4.6 m
= 2530 ped
0.5 m 2 / ped
LOS B (Desirable Maximum) : Capacity =
The Results
275 m 4.6 m
= 1405 ped
0.9 m 2 / ped
Based on the approximate headways and passenger loads

used in this problem, it appears likely that a full hour delay
would be required before dangerous crowding conditions
would occur on this platform. However, the preferred maximum
could be reached within approximately a 15-minute delay,
which would not be an unusual occurrence.
Page 4-44
Example Problem 4
(R1)
The Situation
A new passenger facility, referred to as a cross passageway

(depicted below) will provide access to and from the ends of
platforms of a busy commuter rail terminal that currently has
access at one end only. The cross passageway is essentially a
wide corridor that will run perpendicular to and above the
platforms, with stairs connecting the cross passageway to
each platform. The cross passageway is connected to the
surface at several points.
The Question
Can the corridor meet the space requirements of both queuing

passengers and circulating passengers within a portion of the
cross passageway adjacent to a departure gate?
Required queue storage area.
The Facts
Surveys showed that passengers departing on trains typically start to gather in front
of a gate about 23 min before the trains scheduled departure time and assemble at
the following rates:
Time Before Departure (min):
Departing Passengers (% gathered):
20
9
15
26
10
53
5
86
1
100
The maximum accumulation of passengers outside the gate to the train platform
occurs just before the opening of the gate--typically 10 min before train departure
when 53 percent of the passengers leaving on the train are present. The
accumulation of waiting passengers, if large enough, can easily affect the cross
passageway width available to handle longitudinal flow.
As shown in the figure on the next page, the cross passage way is 42.7 meters long
with an effective width of 7.6 meters (i.e., the width actually available for passenger
activities: the wall-to-wall dimension minus the width occupied by obstructions and
columns and the boundary or cushion maintained by pedestrians along walls).
During the 1 min before the opening of the departure gate, 194 people will be waiting
in the cross passageway. The flow rate of people walking along the corridor during
this time will be 167 people per minute.
Page 4-45
Comments
The problem is to examine whether the corridor can meet the space requirements of
both queuing passengers and circulating passengers within a portion of the cross
passageway adjacent to a departure gate.
The analysis period is the 1 min before the opening of the gate when the maximum
accumulation of waiting passengers will occur.
Steps
2
With a design criterion of LOS C, the average pedestrian queuing area is 0.9 m /ped (see
Exhibit 4-1). This classification reflects the unordered (random) nature of the queue in this
space, the need for some circulation and movement within the queue, and the comfort
level expected by commuter rail passengers. The 194 people waiting will require:
194 ped 0.9 m2/ped = 175 m2

The shape of the queue has to be estimated in order to determine the portion of the 4.6
meter-wide cross passageway that the queue will occupy. For this example, the waiting
2
passengers, occupying 175 m are assumed to be evenly distributed along the 42.7meter linear dimension of the space. Therefore, the queue is expected to require the
following width at the widest point:
175 m 2
= 4.1 m
42.7 m
This leaves 3.5 meters available for the flow of the 167 circulating passengers who would
walk through the cross passageway during the 1-minute peak queue period. The unit
width flow rate available is:
167 ped/min
= 47.7 ped/min/m
3 .5 m
The Results
From Exhibit 4-17, this identified pedestrian flow rate equates

to LOS D to E . In this level of service range, walking speeds
and passing abilities are highly restricted. In addition, there will
be a high probability of conflict for opposing pedestrian traffic
streams.
Page 4-46

APPENDIX A. EXHIBITS IN U.S. CUSTOMARY UNITS
Exhibit 4-12a
Pedestrian Speed on Walkways(R3)
350
Walking Speed (ft/min)
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
0
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Pedestrian Space (ft2/ped)
Exhibit 4-13a
Pedestrian Unit Width Flow on Walkways(R3)
Pedestrian Flow (ped/ft width/min)
30
Commuter uni-directional
Commuter bi-directional
Shoppers multi-directional
25
20
15
10
0
0
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Pedestrian Space (ft2/ped)
Page 4-47
Appendix AExhibits in U.S. Customary Units

Exhibit 4-20a
(R3)
Pedestrian Ascent Speed on Stairs
200
Slope Speed (ft/min)
175
150
125
100
75
50
25
0
0
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Pedestrian Area (ft2/ped)

Exhibit 4-21a
Pedestrian Flow Volumes on Stairs(R3)
Pedestrian Flow (ped/ft width/min)
30
25
20
15
10
0
0
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Pedestrian Area (ft2/ped)
Page 4-48
Appendix AExhibits in U.S. Customary Units

Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

7UDQVLW&DSDFLW\DQG4XDOLW\RI6HUYLFH0DQXDO

Part 4/TERMINAL CAPACITY

Pedestrian level of service

Part 4/TERMINAL CAPACITY

Exhibits appearing in Appendix A

Part 4/TERMINAL CAPACITY

Passenger waiting area LOS

Calculate the effective waiting area required by multiplying the average

Part 4/TERMINAL CAPACITY

Chapter 2Bus Stops

Part 4/TERMINAL CAPACITY

Chapter 2Bus Stops

Placement of passenger amenities

Convenient for bus patrons

Useful for first-time riders

Part 4/TERMINAL CAPACITY

Increase trash accumulation

May be costly to maintain

Chapter 2Bus Stops

Shelter & Bench (Denver)

General Transit Information (San Diego)

Posted Bus Schedules (San Diego)

Schedule Rack (Denver)

Bus Arrival Times (Denver)

Bicycle Racks (Copenhagen, Denmark)

Bicycle Lockers (San Jose)

Retail Sales (Denver)

Part 4/TERMINAL CAPACITY

Landscaping (San Diego)

Art (Portland, OR)

Chapter 2Bus Stops

Linear berths are not as efficient as

Sawtooth berths allow independent

Angle berths require buses to back

Drive Through Berths

Part 4/TERMINAL CAPACITY

Drive-through berths allow bus

Chapter 3Rail and Bus Stations