The Pedestrian Level of Service in Metro Stations: A Pilot Study Based on Passenger Detection Techniques

The platform–train interface (PTI) is one of the most complex spaces in metro stations. At the PTI, the interaction of boarding and alighting causes a high number of passengers to be present, affecting the boarding and alighting time, among other variables related to safety and efficiency. This research was performed to develop a multidimensional level of service for passengers by means of observing existing stations. The methodology included five dimensions of the level of service (passenger behaviour, train design, passenger characteristics, train operation, and platform built environment), and detection techniques based on a tracking system. The stations are operating urban services in Valparaiso Metro (Chile). The results show that there is a relationship between the speed of passengers and the detected passengers, among other variables. In addition, the dispersion of passengers is analysed at the PTI. Further research will include other types of stations and conditions.