Safeguards for Passengers Waiting on Platforms --- Platform Screen Doors and Track Intrusion Detection System
Installation of platform screen doors on metro lines under construction is a
worldwide trend. However, it is much more difficult to install them on already
operating metro lines. On November 28, 2005, Taipei Metro commenced installation
of platform screen doors on six platforms at Taipei Main Station (Tamsui and
Nangang lines), and Zhongxiao Fuxing Station (Nangang Line), in addition to a
revision of car-borne signaling systems on 64 trains. After one year’s work
load, these systems became operational on December 1, 2006. There are 24
platform screen doors on each platform, with a height of 1.45 meters and a width
of 1.8 meters. They improve the safety of passengers waiting on the platform and
do not interfere with air conditioning and fire fighting systems.
It is very challenging to install platform screen doors on operating metro
lines. The construction must not disrupt regular service and measures should be
taken to ensure the safety of construction sites. Outside revenue service hours,
there are only 3.5 hours at night for the work to be carried out. According to a
study on 3 platforms installed with platform screen doors on Line 13 of the
Paris Subway on a trial basis, platform screen doors can prevent passengers or
their belongings from falling onto the tracks or the gap between train and
platform, so avoiding fatal accidents. After the installation, the number of
delays caused by passengers was effectively reduced by 69%.
The platform screen doors were designed to have auto-detection sensors to
discover obstructions. If the platform screen doors detect an obstruction, they
will automatically open to ensure the safety of passengers while the platform
screen doors are closing. In addition to the safety design considerations, all
EMU drivers will look along the platform and visually make sure that the
platform screen doors are closed, and confirm safety before the trains leave the
station.
Introduction to the platform screen doors
Platform screen doors in operation
Yuanshan Station
Yuanshan Station
Taipei City Hall Station
Drilling
Positioning and measuring
Installation of platform screen doors
To further enhance the reliability and safety of the MRT system, installation
of platform screen doors began on September 4, 2009 for platforms at Yuanshan
Station, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station and Taipei City Hall Station. These
stations all have higher than average passenger traffic and are often used as
entry points for major public and promotional events. They present significant
crowd control challenges. Installation work for platform screen doors at
Yuanshan Station, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station and Taipei City Hall Station
were all completed on August 9, 2010 and began operation on October 1, 2010.
Based on aesthetic considerations, as well as to avoid doors obstructing the
passengers’ view of electronic bulletins installed on the train window, the
height of the doors was reduced to 1.4 meters. This allows the doors to be more
effectively integrated into the design of the station. The width of the doors
has been increased to 2.1 meters for passengers’ easy access.
Speed dome camera
Besides the above-mentioned platform screen doors at 6 stations, Taipei Metro is continuing in this project to demonstrate its determination and effort in the area of passenger safety. Since January 6, 2012 Taipei Metro has been installing platform screen doors at 15 transfer stations and larger traffic volume stations in 3 stages. First stage, Ximen Station, Minquan W. Rd. Station, Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station, Guting Station and so on will be installed completely in 1st half year 2013. Second stage, Longshan Temple Station, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall Station, Zhongxiao Dunha Station, Jiantan Station, Dingxi Station and so on will be installed completely in 2nd half year 2013. Final stage, Xinpu Station, Gongguan Station, Tamsui Station, Zhongshan Station, Nangang Station, Banqiao Station and so on will be installed completely in 2014.
The other MRT stations, which do not have platform screen doors installed, were already equipped with Track Intrusion Detection System. This system is the first of its kind in the world, and was researched and developed in Taiwan. Using infrared detectors and Laser Measurement Sensors, this system can detect movement in the track area along the platforms, the tracks area around the platform end doors, the gaps between train and platform end doors, and beyond the platform warning strips. If a passenger steps into one of these areas, an alarm is activated, sending a warning to the control panel and triggering the speed dome camera to focus on the scene. On noticing this, station staff will rush to the scene immediately. In the track area, a traffic light, installed 150 meters from the platform end door, will turn red, warning the driver to slow down and watch out for any situations.
The Track Intrusion Detection System for a surface level station
Detecting areas of the Track Intrusion Detection System
