1. Modelling effects of stair width on rates of stair climbing in a train station
- Author
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Eves, Frank F., Lewis, Amanda L., and Griffin, Carl
- Subjects
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RAILROAD commuter service , *MULTIPLE regression analysis , *RAILROAD stations , *ESCALATORS , *STAIRS , *MATHEMATICAL statistics , *COMMUTING - Abstract
Abstract: Objectives: Commuters leaving a station often choose the stair as a quicker exit than the escalator. This paper models the effects of speed leaving the station and stair width on choice of the stairs or escalator. Methods: Aggregated data from previous studies (n =82,347) revealed a plateau at about 45% stair use as the number leaving each train rose. Subsequently, the time taken by passengers on the stairs and escalator was measured in a station in Birmingham, UK in 2007 (n =5848). The resulting transport rates (passengers s−1) for stairs and escalators at the average commuting traffic were used to estimate the effects of increases in stair width on choice of the stairs. Results: Average transport rates were higher for the escalator (0.93±0.33 passengers s−1) than the stairs (0.58±0.24 passengers s−1). Modelling of the effects of transport rate with multiple regression suggested 40.1% of passengers would use the stairs, a figure close to the observed rate. Using similar calculations, a doubling of width of the stairs could result maximally in a 17.2% increase in stair use. Conclusions: Changes to the width of stairs could produce a permanent increase in lifestyle physical activity immune to the effects of time on healthy intentions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2008
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