As a key partner in the NEXUS project, ERTICO – ITS Europe is proud to announce the launch of its passenger surveys across various European cities, an initiative aiming to transform metro transportation.
Co-funded by the European Union, the NEXUS project operates under the European Rail’s Joint Undertaking, aiming to harmonise rail operations, integrate advanced technologies, and address societal challenges with innovative, passenger-focused solutions.
The main use cases for the NEXUS project are situated in Genova and Sofia, where the project is collaborating closely with AMT and MetroSofia, respectively.
Understanding Passenger Behaviour: A Core Focus
The passenger surveys underline the project’s commitment to placing users at the center of metro system design. By leveraging insights into passenger behaviour, metro vehicles and platforms can be designed to enhance system capacity and operational efficiency. These surveys aim to address critical areas such as passenger flow and distribution, ultimately reducing dwell times—the time vehicles spend at stations—to improve overall sustainability and performance.
Key goals include alleviating congestion, improving passenger comfort, and promoting metro systems as a sustainable urban mobility solution. Enhanced metro networks not only align with environmental goals but also create safer, more inclusive, and passenger-friendly experiences.
Survey Objectives and Focus Areas
The “Passenger Requirements and Behaviour” survey explores four main areas:
- Acceptance of Autonomous Metro Systems: Understanding public perceptions, trust levels, and the potential benefits of driverless metro operations.
- Real-Time Information Systems: Evaluating the impact of real-time updates on passenger flow and platform crowd management.
- Safety Enhancements through Platform Design: Assessing how features like platform screen doors and reduced crowding improve safety.
- Vehicle Layout Preferences: Identifying passenger preferences for seating and standing configurations to boost comfort and accessibility.
These findings will guide the development of metro systems that balance safety, efficiency, and passenger satisfaction.
Leveraging Insights for Metro Innovation
The survey results will inform practical recommendations for platform and vehicle design. For instance:
- Strategic Access Point Placement: Optimising the locations of staircases, escalators, and elevators to encourage even passenger distribution and reduce boarding times.
- Real-Time Information Systems: Guiding passengers to less crowded areas to improve flow and minimise congestion at specific vehicle doors.
- Vehicle Layouts: Enhancing seating and standing configurations to prioritise comfort while facilitating efficient boarding and alighting.
Overcoming Challenges in Data Collection
Designing and implementing the survey in cities like Genoa, Sofia, and Barcelona required addressing challenges such as linguistic accessibility and coordination among multiple partners. A multilingual approach with simplified language ensured clarity and relevance, while collaboration across stakeholders helped refine the survey’s design.
Promoted through channels including social media, newsletters, and on-site materials, the survey aims to capture diverse perspectives.
ERTICO’s Role in NEXUS
Leading Work Package 9 (WP9), ERTICO is responsible for shaping the project’s stakeholder engagement and dissemination strategy. By connecting diverse stakeholders and facilitating effective communication, we ensure the project’s objectives reach both the public and relevant industries. Through targeted promotional campaigns, workshops, and stakeholder forums, ERTICO amplifies the impact of NEXUS’s pioneering research and innovations. ERTICO is also supporting the campaign to promote the surveys on passenger behaviour and needs.
Building the Future of Urban Mobility
The survey findings will contribute to NEXUS’s broader objectives, such as integrating AI and data science into metro operations and conducting adaptability analyses. ERTICO’s leadership in stakeholder engagement ensures these insights are widely disseminated, fostering collaboration among industry leaders, researchers, and public authorities.
By prioritising passenger needs, the NEXUS project—with ERTICO’s active support—is shaping the future of safer, more efficient, and sustainable metro systems across Europe. Join us in this transformative journey by participating in the survey here.
