Analyzing the Newest Interchange Connection at Cairo Metro Network Pertaining to Passenger Flow

Abstract

The French standard governing occupanckes dedicated for gatherings of individuals and institutions receiving the public, including railway stations and tunnels was used in the design of Cairo’s transit network, which consists of three lines connected through three existing interchange connections and one that is currently under construction. There is a lack of studies quantifying passenger evacuation in relation to Cairo transit, especially with regard to the interchange connections. This study assessed the viability of the evacuation methods applied to the design of interchange connections in Egypt. The emergency evacuation procedures for the future interchange connection layout between Lines 1 and 3 were assessed using the French standard and NFPA 130 Standard for Fixed Guideway Transit and Passenger Rail Systems analytical methods. The analysis accounts for the traffic forecast as presented in the Egyptian company for operation and maintenance report for Line 1 and the feasibility study of Line 3. The results demonstrated that the connection was compliant with the French standard, but it did not fully meet NFPA requirements. It was concluded that there is still room for enhancement and for gaps to be considered. Recommendations include undertaking investigations into passenger characteristics and behavior in the context of passenger flow in emergency situations using approaches such as virtual research and field surveys, and simulation techniques.