2nd Edition

Station Layout 21
The width of platforms must be carefully considered for each system,
taking into account the likely heaviest loading of trains, their frequency,
the number of passengers likely to be alighting and the number of exit
points along the length of the platform. The absolute minimum width of
any platform should be limited to not less than two metres. This should
only be accepted at minor stations and at platform ends or for very limited
lengths away from passenger exits or entrances.
The desirable minimum width of platforms for fairly busy stations is
three metres for side platforms and six metres for island platforms with
tracks on both sides.
Headroom on platforms should be not less than three metres wherever
possible.
2.13 Footbridges and Subways
At surface and elevated stations, footbridges or subways will need to be provided
to and from platforms. The number, location and sizes of these will
depend largely upon requirements for interchange as well for exit and entry
to and from the railway system. The limiting dimensions of these should be
as those already indicated for passageways and stairs. The location of both
footbridges and subways needs to be very carefully considered if undue passenger
congestion and delay in interchange or exit is to be avoided. Where
a common subway or footbridge is used both for entry/exit and for movement
from one platform to another, greater widths need to be provided to
avoid congestion and delay due to conflicting passenger movements. Where
possible at terminal or important interchange stations, separate staircases
or subways should be provided for interchange between platforms and for
entry or exit. It is also most important in such cases to consider carefully
how adequate emergency exit can be provided following an incident or when
crush conditions develop. The original cost of a subway is usually more than
the cost of an equivalent footbridge and maintenance of drainage and prevention
of flooding on surface stations should make a footbridge the first
option to be considered.
At the reconstruction stage it is also usually considerably cheaper and
easier to rebuild a footbridge over the tracks than a subway which supports
the tracks.
Where railways have overhead electrification, special consideration must
be given at all footbridges and gantries to ensure that both passengers and