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