Supports to be Installed in Multi-Purpose Area on Commuter Trains Used by Passengers with Reduced Mobility

摘要

This paper deals with an improvement of the handrail of typical wheelchair space to make passengers with children's buggies share the space with wheelchair users. The improved wheelchair space was proposed and subsequently evaluated by passengers containing who travel with buggies on trains when they are subject to the vibration of the train. The study found that the standard height of 800mm for handrails was too low for standing passengers and too high for seating. The proposed space can be improved by providing handrails at two different heights: 700mm and 950mm, and this arrangement was found to be much more satisfactory than rails provided at the height of 800mm. Comparisons were made of seven different heights ranging from 700mm to 1750mm, and the authors concluded that the appropriate height of handrails in railway vehicles is higher than the standard height of those fitted in the corridors of buildings.