The new platform -screen doors would not only be safer, but also more efficient, say the U -Bahn officials.
Washington – in one step to improve safety and efficiency in the entire METRO system in Washington, consider the civil servants to install platform doors (PSDS) on platforms. This is part of a broader pressure on rail automation.
Platform -Screen doors that are already common in large cities such as Paris, Tokyo and Singapore are physical obstacles that separate passengers from railway tracks until a train arrives and open the doors at the same time. These obstacles offer many security advantages, including preventing people from falling or pushing on the traces.
According to Metro's latest presentation, the Rail Automation is a cornerstone of its strategic transformation plan. This comprehensive approach includes the upgrade to communication -based train control (CBTC), the update of railcars in order to be compatible with this new signal system and to introduce PSDS at stations.
Metro Leadership emphasized that the integration of these technologies would directly overcome four important challenges: security, reliability, capacity and efficiency. “Automated processes can eliminate human mistakes,” says the presentation, “and the platform -screen doors prevent the penetration from the traces”, which was a continuing security concern in the region.
In addition to security, PSDS also offer surgical advantages. With automated trains and precise time -controlled train station stops, the metro can increase the frequency and reliability of the service and carry out more features with the same number of vehicles. This means reduced waiting times, fewer delays and an overall better customer experience.
The initiative is still in the early phases. Metro plans to start the early design process for platform doors this summer, whereby a test run 2026 is expected. At the same time, the agency is working on a detailed plan for the complete automation of the rail system, which you would like to end by the end of 2025.
Since the metro looks into the future, the agency also re -evaluates how they can meet the long -term capacity challenges on the blue, orange and silver lines. The new strategy that replaces costly rail expenses projects by improving smart automation and bus network could offer a faster and financially sustainable solution.