Study on Service-Level Classification of Platforms in Beijing Urban Rail Transit

Abstract

The classification standards of levels of service (LOSs) for urban rail transit platforms are the foundation of platform design and evaluation. To study platform LOSs in urban rail transit, the passenger perception method and stated preference investigation concept were adopted, and a questionnaire was designed to investigate the factors influencing LOSs. The survey results showed that the congestion level of the platform was the most important factor influencing the LOS of the platform, followed by passenger order, air quality, information signs, and waiting time. On the basis of the results of the survey, the congestion level was used as the basis for the development of a LOS standard for platforms. A stated preference questionnaire was designed to investigate platform LOSs by using photos showing different congestion levels. According to the survey results, the membership curve of different LOSs was drawn, and the perceived LOS of the platform was classified into five levels on the basis of the congestion level. With linear interpolation, critical values of pedestrian density corresponding to different LOSs were calculated. Finally, the LOS standards developed for transit platforms were compared with the LOS criteria for pedestrian queuing areas offered by the Highway Capacity Manual, and possible reasons for the differences were analyzed. The proposed LOS standards for urban rail transit platforms can be used as a reference for transit design and evaluation.