Because railway networks are widely developed in Europe, facilitating access to disabled passengers is a pressing issue. Steps and gaps at the entrance doors are barriers to people in wheelchairs and to people with walking difficulties. Because of the difference between platform and car floor heights, level access is not available, and boarding aid devices are necessary for disabled passengers to bridge steps or gaps. A literature survey is presented, the practices of European railways are discussed, and relevant factors for choosing the most appropriate and convenient devices for boarding and alighting train cars are analyzed. Recommendations are suggested for near-term enhancements.
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