The current conditions in the subways require a lot of facelift in terms of safety, convenience and aesthetics. Over the past years, the commuters’ perception has always been informed by the transport authority’s ability to run buses and trains frequently and on time. However, the authorities need to provide something more than the traditional basics. They should grow and diversify the subway system by providing convenient, attractive and comfortable transit experience to the passengers (Han et al, 2015). Communication systems, facilities and seamless transfers are some of the critical elements that determine the attractiveness of the transit experience. Integrating proper platform design, aesthetic changes and use of open train cars may go a long way in improving passenger experience.
Platforms are important components of a subway system because they are land mark areas in the subway space where people spend most of their time. The guiding systems in the platform should be designed appropriately to enhance visibility. Characteristic signs that are easily noticeable should be used to guide the passengers in the subway because the passengers are always in a hurry. The platforms should also provide position reference in order to ease location of passengers especially when one is lost. Installation of platform screen doors enhances the safety of passengers as it reduces subway accidents (Yong et al, 2016). Moreover, installations of platform screen doors assist in maintaining hygiene in the trains because it separates the train tunnel from the rest of the station. Therefore, dust and other particles cannot enter the train. The platform screen doors also allow for the installation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning in the stations. Real-time service announcements, better lighting and count-down clocks should also be integrated in the subway system. Real-time information is important for customers who are waiting in the subway station.
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Improving the aesthetic elements in the subway can improve the experience of the passengers. Attractive colors should be used to paint the walls and roofs of the subway station to enhance the aesthetic qualities of the facility by providing a relaxing atmosphere for the people. High purity colors should be used so that people can identify hue of colors instantly. Moreover, the area of colors must be large enough to be clearly seen from any angle. Colors are important because they make the platforms easily identifiable by passengers. Furthermore, mural paintings, and relief sculptures on the walls bring an artistic environment to the subway space. The displays should be well illuminated to facilitate proper visibility in the platforms. The platforms should be fitted with screens that display comprehensive maps that include information about the wide range of services that are available in the stations. Phone charging facilities are also essential components of a passenger friendly subway station. Wi-Fi facilities should also be installed in the subway to help the people waiting for the train to surf the web. Such facilities improve the experience of the passengers as well as reducing the tension associated with waiting.
The subway systems should be improved by introducing open train cars. The open train cars will increase the capacity to carry passengers. The open train cars will enable riders to breathe fresh air because the doors between the cars will be nixed opening up more space. The increased space will facilitate airflow and reduce crowding in the cars. The cars will be fitted with USB charging ports that will help riders to charge their phones while on transit. Moreover, the open train cars will have decent Wi-Fi hence enabling passengers to browse and enjoy the ride.
Attractive subway systems are an essential part of every urban setting because they play an important role in the lives of the inhabitants. Relying on traditional models will make the experience of users unbearable. Therefore, modern technology should be incorporated in the development of convenient, attractive and comfortable subway systems.
References
Han, H., Lee, J., Jang, K. (2015). “Effects of platform screen doors on the indoor air environment of an underground subway station,” Indoor and Built Environment , 24(5); 672-681
Yong, W., Sung, J., Tetsuya, M., Sawada, Y., Michiko, Y. (2016). “The effectiveness of platform screen doors for the prevention of subway suicides in South Korea,” Journal of Affective Disorders, 194; 80–83
