Tactile Ground Surface Indicator Widening and its Effect on Users' Detection Abilities

Abstract

This paper describes tests of tactile ground surface indicators, used to warn visually impaired train passengers about the location of the platform edge. The study evaluated whether they were adequately wide or whether widening them more would make them significantly more effective. Thirty-four visually impaired train riders who travel unaided were used in the tests. Most were expert railway users. The study was conducted at a mockup of a platform at a research site. The indicators were laid out in different patterns and in three different widths. One key concern was the amount of distance the visually impaired user traveled before realizing the platform was near. It was found that the widest arrangement was significantly more effective.