Gap between the coach and platform – solutions for improving train accessibility

Easy access from platforms to trains is limited by the free space between the platform edge and coach floor, named the gap. The standard definition of the gap is described together with a description of all the difficulties affecting passengers, arising from different platform heights and different passenger vehicle floor placements over the rail head. The gap is a cause of accidents. The article describes techniques which are used to reduce the gap’s infl uence on passenger safety (metro, railway), which may relate to the infrastructure, technical solutions associated with vehicles or platforms, as well as organizational solutions related with appropriate information.