Countdown on a platform: higher punctuality and increased safety at level crossings

In Holland there are about 150 train stations with a level crossing situated within a few hundred meters distance from the station. Automatic route setting for the train triggers closure of barriers of the level crossing. When... [ view full abstract ]

In Holland there are about 150 train stations with a level crossing situated within a few hundred meters distance from the station. Automatic route setting for the train triggers closure of barriers of the level crossing. When the level crossing is safely closed, a departure light on the platform is activated and train staff is allowed to start the procedure for safe departure of the train. So first the train is waiting for safe closure of the level crossing, followed by waiting of road users for safe departure of the train.
From the perspective of road users this serial performed process causes a long closure of the level crossing without any visible reason. Unsafe behaviour of road users, passing closed barriers of the level crossing, occurs in these situations. From the perspective of train service the waiting for closure of the barriers of the level crossing influences punctuality.

This paper describes the development of a countdown on a platform as aid for train staff for quick start of the procedure for train departure. Sooner and faster departure of the train shortens the time a level crossing is closed.
Development of the countdown started with a first assessment of the concept of a countdown from a human factors perspective for road users and train staff. This assessment resulted in safety requirements for further development of the countdown. A full risk assessment, with great emphasis on human factors, was performed on the final concept and was included in the safety case of the countdown. The countdown was piloted during 2 months in 2 stations with 1 level crossing each. Safe departure of the train, with emphasis on behaviour of train staff and passengers, was assessed by video monitoring and accompanying of train staff involved in the pilot. By means of video monitoring behaviour of road users on the level crossings involved was assessed.
Results of the pilot were compared with a reference period on the same stations without a countdown. Departure of the train with aid of the countdown was 17 seconds sooner compared to departure of the train without countdown, which was quite similar to design specification. The countdown itself did not influence behaviour of passengers.
Data about closure time of the level crossings involved and data about behaviour of road users on level crossings involved in the pilot are not available timely for this abstract, but will reported in the full paper.