Luas an accessible Light Rail system - Jim Quinlan, Chief Architect, Railway Procurement Agency

Luas an accessible Light Rail system

      Jim Quinlan, Chief Architect,
      Railway Procurement Agency

Who are we ?

•   Railway Procurement Agency – ‘enabling agency’
•   Established 28/12/01 – ‘Semi-State’
•   Board of Directors and Chairman
•   Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Bill – 2001
     – Procure and develop Luas and Metro
     – Enter PPP arrangements
     – Develop property at stations/beside lines
     – Operate Luas and Metro systems (with private
       partners)
     – Develop Integrated ticketing system

Luas transport network context

Luas lines completed to date

RPA Corporate policy with regard to public transport access:

•    One of the key objectives of the Railway Procurement Agency is to
     provide an integrated public transport system that not only serves all
     members of the public but also enhances the quality of their lives
     and the quality of the urban environment in the vicinity of the
     system.

•    Access for all is central to every scheme design and operation
     undertaken either directly by the RPA or on its behalf by third
     parties.

•    The RPA will use best international practice in disability design, it
     will encourage innovative and imaginative solutions and it will seek
     to lead the field in the provision of an accessible public transport
     system for Dublin.

•    The RPA is committed to ensuring that its services, premises and
     information are fully accessible and that it’s staff receive appropriate
     awareness training.

RPA consulted with disability organisations from the beginning

•    June 1999, the NRB visited Strasbourg to see a typical tram system
     in operation.
•    Regular meetings took place between members of the Luas team
     and the NCBI, the NAD and NRB throughout the design process
•    A full size mock up section of the vehicle was ordered from Alstom
     and indicated the type of materials and finishes, the type of seating,
     the height of windows etc
•    The first Tram went on display in Oct 2001 and comments were
     received from the public including a number of disabled persons.
•    Visits to examine the vehicle and ticket vending machines were
     arranged with disability representatives

Key principals :

• All Vehicles are low floor and accommodate wheelchair users
• Level Boarding and minimum gap at platform edge
• All stops are fully accessible with ramps
• Elevated stops have lift access
• Visual and Audible passenger information on trams and stops
• Extensive use of tactile surfacing, warning strips and handrails
• Help point on all stops with induction loop for hard of hearing
• Information available in special format eg; large print, tactile guide
• Disability awareness training for customer service staff and drivers

Vehicle : Alstom CITADIS 301/401
• Low floor, wheelchair accessible
•30/40m long by 2.4m wide by 3.5m high, weight 40/50 tonnes
• Max capacity 235/320 persons
• 2 designated wheelchair spaces, 8 designated mobility impaired
seats per vehicle
• Traction power 750 volts DC by overhead power line

Computer rendering of tram before delivery

Tram 01 on public display October 2001

Tram interior

Luas dynamic wheelchair testing

                      Tram external side display

Internal Tram signage
• Text and pictograms

• Designs reviewed and agreed
  before finalisation

Luas guide dogs testing and familarisation

Luas wide high visibility doors & level threshold

Luas stop platform layout

Luas platform features

Lighting, CCTV, PA systems

                             Designated seating

Real time information display on platform & Tram destination display

Seating and shelters on all stops

The signs are of a type suitable for
the visually impaired (i.e. dark text
on light background, with uppercase
and lower case) or use pictograms.

The font (tiresias infofont) has been
developed in the UK specially for
increased legibility by visually
impaired persons

The final design was completed in
consultation with the National
Institute for the Blind (NIB)

Computer simulations identified
potential issues with visibility from a
seated position on board the tram.

Luas audio support on Ticket Vending Machine (TVM)

Park and Ride and Bus/Rail interchange

                                           Designated spaces close
                                           to platforms

                                           Dropped kerbs and no
                                           step access to platforms

                                           Free parking for badge
                                           holders

Bus interchanges at Red Cow, Connolly, Windy Arbour, Dundrum,
Sandyford and one planned interchange at Tallaght

Main line rail and commuter rail interchanges at Heuston and
Connolly

Integrated ticketing and smart card

  • Contactless smart card
  • Valid for bus, Train and tram
  • Validate on and off system
  • Electronic purse
  • Consultation with disabled user
    groups undertaken
  • Pilot with private coach company
  • Nationwide remit

Luas user testing

What s wrong with this picture ??

Web site with accessibility option

High contrast text only version

High contrast zone map

Connex initiatives

•    System guide in Braille and on audio tape

•    Familiarisation visits with special needs groups.

•    Tactile guide to tram layout

•    Driver and CSO awareness training

•    Textpad in Central Control Room

Key process

Ensure early and continuous dialogue with disability groups is
carried out
All designs are reviewed to ensure compliance with access
requirements.

Specialist consultants are appointed as necessary e.g. Comparative
assessment of vehicle against UK Rail Vehicle accessibility
regulations.

Information dissemination, including the web site and publicity
material, are available in large format text or on audio tape.

Operational issues such as driver and customer service staff
awareness training are included in the operators contract and are
monitored by the operations manager.

Problems encountered and future improvements

•   Conflicting requirements
•   Inconsistent or missing guidelines and standards
•   Extended timescales
•   Lack of awareness and understanding by designers
•   Technical and budget constraints
•   Unexpected issues-platform gaps

Future work

•   Accessible Interchange and door to door services
•   Modifications to vehicle and infrastructure
•   Improved signage both on and off system
•   Mobility guides and improved information
•   Integrated ticketing roll out

Luas is the Irish word for : SPEED

Essential standards, guides, references and sources of information

Railway Safety Principles Guidance – Part 11, Section G- Guidance Tramways.
   Published by Health and Safety Executive, HM Railway Inspectorate-1977

Accessible Public Transport Infrastructure, Guidelines for the design of
   interchanges, terminals and stops-UK Dept. of Transport & the passenger
   executive group 1994

Guidance on the Use of Tactile Paving Surfaces – UK DETR Environment Transport
   and the Regions, Scottish Office, 1998

The Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations UK DTLR Dept. for Transport, Local
   Government and the regions 2002

Inclusive mobility: a guide to best practice on access to pedestrian and transport
    infrastructure, UK DTLR Dept. for Transport, Local Government and the regions
    2002

Web links   www.dft.gov.uk       www.uitp.com      www.tiresias.org