This paper is a review of the platform stop conversion program on the streetcar system in Melbourne, Australia. Conversion of stops is required for disability access with some 1,156 curb side and some 313 safety zone stops which do not meet standards. These stops also represent significant passenger safety concerns and are the cause of lengthy dwell time delays as well as wider impacts on road traffic congestion. Platform stops present a range of design challenges in introducing what is effectively rail station like infrastructure into busy retail, pedestrian and traffic areas. To date 187 stops have been converted to platform stops with an additional 73 stops in the last 8 months. Post implementation reviews of platform stops have identified substantial reductions in dwell time delays and an estimated 25% reduction in central business district (CBD) street running times. Passenger attitude surveys show overwhelming support for platform stops with safety improvements, ease of access and improved information provision being major perceived benefits. Although many local traders opposed the introduction of platform stops, post implementation surveys have shown that a substantial majority of traders now find platform stops beneficial to business. Evidence shows that tram-pedestrian collisions have been significantly reduced as a result of the introduction of platform stops. The safety zone stops which platform stops replaced represented the highest locations for tram-pedestrian collisions. Since platform stops have been introduced, no tram-pedestrian collisions have been recorded at these locations.
Abstract