Regulation 2014/1300 - Technical specifications for interoperability relating to accessibility of the Union's rail system for persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility - Main contents

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 356/110

Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 881/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2) requires the European Railway Agency (the Agency) to ensure that the technical specifications for interoperability (TSIs) are adapted to technical progress, market trends and social requirements and to propose to the Commission any amendments to the TSIs which it considers necessary.

By Decision C(2010) 2576 (3), the Commission gave the Agency a mandate to develop and review the technical specifications for interoperability with a view to extending their scope to the entire rail system in the Union. Under the terms of that mandate, the Agency was asked to extend the scope of the TSI relating to accessibility of the trans-European conventional and high-speed rail system provided for by Commission Decision 2008/164/EC (4) for persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility to the entire rail system throughout the Union.

On 6 May 2013 the Agency submitted a recommendation on the adoption of the TSI relating to persons with reduced mobility.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to which the Union and most Member States are party, recognises accessibility as one of its general principles. It requires, in Article 9, States Parties to take appropriate measures to ensure that persons with disabilities have access on an equal basis with others. These measures must include the identification and elimination of obstacles and barriers to accessibility and apply, inter alia, to transportation.

Directive 2008/57/EC establishes ‘accessibility’ as an essential requirement of the rail system within the Union.

Directive 2008/57/EC provides for a register of infrastructure and registers of vehicles, indicating the main parameters, to be published and updated on a regular basis. Commission Decision 2008/164/EC further defines the parameters for the TSI relating to ‘persons with reduced mobility’ to be included in these registers. As the objectives of these registers are linked to the authorisation procedure and technical compatibility, it is considered necessary to establish a separate tool for these parameters. This inventory of assets should enable obstacles and barriers to accessibility to be identified and their progressive elimination to be monitored.

Directive 2008/57/EC establishes the principle of gradual implementation, in particular providing that target subsystems indicated in a TSI may be set in place gradually within a reasonable timescale and that each TSI should indicate an implementation strategy with a view to making a gradual transition from the existing situation to the final situation in which compliance with the TSI will be the norm.

With a view to progressively eliminating within a reasonable timescale, all identified barriers to accessibility by way of a coordinated effort to renew and upgrade subsystems and by deploying operational measures, Member States should establish national implementation plans. However, since these national implementation plans cannot be in sufficient detail and are subject to unpredictable changes, Member States should continue to submit information in cases when placing in service of existing subsystems after renewal or upgrading requires a new authorisation for placing in service and if the TSI is not fully applied in accordance with Directive 2008/57/EC.

The Union should adopt common priorities and criteria which Member States should integrate in their national implementation plans. This will contribute to achieving progressive implementation of the TSI within a reasonable timescale.

In order to follow technological evolution and encourage modernization, innovative solutions should be promoted and their implementation should, under certain conditions, be allowed. Where an innovative solution is proposed, the manufacturer or his authorized representative should explain how they deviate from the relevant section of the TSI, and the innovative solution should be assessed by the Commission. If this assessment is positive, the Agency should define the appropriate functional and interface specifications of the innovative solution and develop the appropriate assessment methods.

In order to prevent unnecessary additional costs and administrative burden and in order not to interfere with existing contracts, Decision 2008/164/EC should continue to apply to subsystems and projects referred to in Article 9(1)(a) of Directive 2008/57/EC after its repeal.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee established under Article 29(1) of Directive 2008/57/EC,

the trans-European conventional rail system network as defined in Annex I, section 1.1 of Directive 2008/57/EC;

the trans-European high-speed rail system network as defined in Annex I, section 2.1 of Directive 2008/57/EC;

all other parts of the network.

the technical rules referred to in paragraph 1;

the conformity assessment and verification procedures to be carried out with a view to applying the national rules referred to in paragraph 1;

the bodies designated in accordance with Article 17, paragraph 3, of Directive 2008/57/EC appointed to carry out the conformity assessment and verification procedures with respect to the specific cases set out in Section 7.3 of the Annex.

identifying barriers to accessibility;

providing information to users;

monitoring and evaluating progress on accessibility.

public areas of stations dedicated to the transport of passengers as defined in point 2.1.1 of the Annex;

rolling stock as defined in point 2.1.2 of the Annex.

Member States wishing to participate;

representative bodies from the railway sector;

representative bodies of users;

the European Railway Agency.

monitoring the development of a minimum data structure for the inventory of assets,

supporting Member States in the completion of their inventories of assets and implementation plans,

assisting the Commission in monitoring implementation of the TSI,

facilitating exchanges of best practices,

assisting the Commission in identifying the common priorities and criteria for the implementation of the TSI as referred to in Article 8.

where appropriate, making recommendations to the Commission, in particular for strengthening implementation of the TSI.

subsystems authorised in accordance with that Decision;

projects for new, renewed or upgraded subsystems which, at the date of publication of this Regulation, are at an advanced stage of development or are the subject of an ongoing contract;

projects for new rolling stock of an existing design, as referred to in point 7.1.2 of the Annex to this Regulation.

INTRODUCTION

Technical scope

Geographical scope

SCOPE OF SUBSYSTEMS AND DEFINITIONS

Scope of the subsystems

Scope related to infrastructure subsystem

Scope related to rolling stock subsystem

Scope related to operational aspects subsystem

Scope related to Telematics Applications for Passengers subsystem

Definition of ‘person with disabilities and person with reduced mobility’

Other Definitions

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

CHARACTERISATION OF THE SUBSYSTEMS

Introduction

Functional and technical specifications

Infrastructure Subsystem

Rolling Stock Subsystem

Functional and technical specifications of the interfaces

Interfaces with the infrastructure subsystem

Interfaces with the rolling stock subsystem

Interfaces with the Telematics Applications for Passengers subsystem

Operating rules

Infrastructure subsystem

Rolling Stock subsystem

Provision of boarding aids and provision of assistance

Maintenance rules

Infrastructure Subsystem

Rolling Stock Subsystem

Professional qualifications

Health and safety conditions

Infrastructure and Rolling Stock registers

Infrastructure register

Rolling Stock register

INTEROPERABILITY CONSTITUENTS

Definition

Innovative solutions

List and characteristics of constituents

Infrastructure

Rolling stock

ASSESSMENT OF CONFORMITY AND/OR SUITABILITY FOR USE

Interoperability constituents

Conformity assessment

Application of modules

Particular assessment procedures

Subsystems

EC verification (general)

Procedures for EC verification of a subsystem (modules)

Particular assessment procedures

Technical solutions giving presumption of conformity at design stage

Assessment of maintenance

Assessment of operational rules

Assessment of units intended to be used in general operation

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TSI

Application of this TSI to new Infrastructure and Rolling Stock

New Infrastructure

New Rolling Stock

Application of this TSI to existing Infrastructure and Rolling Stock

Steps of the gradual transition to the target system

Application of this TSI to existing Infrastructure

Application of this TSI to existing rolling stock

Specific cases

General

List of specific cases

Standards or Normative Documents Referred to in this TSI

Temporary prioritization rule for the upgrade/renewal of stations

Information to be provided in a National Implementation Plan (NIP)

Assessment of interoperability constituents

Assessment of the subsystems

Renewal or upgrade of rolling stock

Passenger external doors audible warnings

Diagrams of priority seats

Diagrams of wheelchair spaces

Diagrams of clearways

Table of the corridor width for wheelchair accessible areas in Rolling Stock

Reach zone of a wheelchair user

Wheelchair transportable by train

PRM Signage

The gap between the door sill of that doorway (or of the extended bridging plate of that doorway) and the platform does not exceed 75 mm measured horizontally and 50 mm measured vertically and

The rolling stock has no internal step between the door sill and the vestibule.

The rail system of the Union, to which Directive 2008/57/EC applies and of which the subsystems are parts, is an integrated system whose consistency shall be verified. This consistency shall be checked in particular with regard to the specifications of each subsystem, its interfaces vis-à-vis the system in which it is integrated as well as the operating and maintenance rules.

The functional and technical specifications of the subsystems and their interfaces, described in points 4.2 and 4.3, do not impose the use of specific technologies or technical solutions, except where this is strictly necessary for the interoperability of the Union rail network. But innovative solutions for interoperability may require new specifications and/or new assessment methods. In order to allow technological innovation, these specifications and assessment methods shall be developed by the process described in article 6 of the Regulation.

Taking account of all the applicable essential requirements, the basic parameters related to accessibility for persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility are set out for the subsystems infrastructure and rolling stock in point 4.2 of this TSI. The operational requirements and responsibilities are set out in the OPE TSI and in point 4.4 of this TSI.

In light of the essential requirements in Section 3, the functional and technical specifications of the infrastructure subsystem related to accessibility for persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility are arranged as follows:

The basic parameters that are specified in points 4.2.1.1 — 4.2.1.15 apply to the scope of the infrastructure subsystem that is defined in point 2.1.1; they can be divided into two categories:

The table 3 below indicates the category of each of the basic parameters.

Table 3

Categories of basic parameters

Where a station specific parking area exists, there shall be sufficient and adapted parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility eligible to utilise them at the nearest practicable position, within the parking area, to an accessible entrance.

Obstacle free routes shall be provided that interconnect the following public areas of the infrastructure if provided:

The length of the obstacle-free routes shall be the shortest practical distance.

Obstacle-free route floor surfaces and ground surfaces shall have low reflecting properties.

All obstacle-free routes, footbridges and subways, shall have a free width of a minimum of 160 cm except in areas that are specified in points 4.2.1.3 (2) (doors), 4.2.1.12 (3) (platforms) and 4.2.1.15 (2) (level crossings)).

Where thresholds are installed on a horizontal route, they shall contrast with the surrounding floor and shall not be higher than 2,5 cm.

Where an obstacle-free route includes a change in level, there shall be a step-free route providing an alternative to stairs for mobility impaired people.

Staircases on the obstacle-free routes shall have a minimum width of 160 cm measured between the handrails. As a minimum the first and last steps shall be indicated by a contrasting band and as a minimum tactile warning surface indicators shall be installed before the first descending step.

Ramps shall be installed for persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility unable to use stairs where lifts are not provided. They shall have a moderate gradient. A steep gradient is allowed for ramps on short distances only.

Stairs and ramps shall be provided with handrails on both sides and at two levels.

Lifts shall be provided where ramps are not available and shall be at least of type 2 in accordance with the specification referenced in Appendix A, index 1. Type 1 lifts are allowed in the case of stations being renewed or upgraded only.

Escalators and moving walks shall be designed in accordance with the specification referenced in Appendix A, index 2.

Level track crossings can form part of an obstacle-free route when they comply with the requirements of point 4.2.1.15.

Obstacle-free routes shall be clearly identified by visual information as detailed in point 4.2.1.10.

Information on the obstacle-free route shall be given to visually impaired people by tactile and contrasting walking surface indicators as a minimum. This paragraph does not apply to obstacle free routes to and from car parks.

Technical solutions using remotely controlled audible devices or telephone applications are permitted to be used in addition or as an alternative. When they are intended to be used as an alternative, they shall be treated as innovative solutions.

If there are handrails or walls within reach along the obstacle-free route to the platform, they shall have brief information (for example platform-number or direction-information) in Braille or in prismatic-letters or numbers on the handrail, or on the wall at a height between 145 cm and 165 cm.

This point applies to all doors and entrances that are on obstacle-free routes, with the exception of doors giving access to the toilets which are not dedicated to persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility.

Doors shall have a minimum clear useable width of 90 cm and shall be operable by persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility.

It is permitted to use manual, semi-automatic or automatic doors.

Door operating devices shall be available at a height of between 80 cm and 110 cm.

All floor coverings, ground surfaces and stair tread surfaces shall be slip resistant.

Within the station buildings there shall be no irregularities in excess of 0,5 cm at any given point in floor walking surface areas, except for thresholds, drainage channels and tactile walking surface indicators.

Transparent obstacles on or along the routes used by passengers, consisting of glass doors or transparent walls, shall be marked. These markings shall highlight the transparent obstacles. They are not required if passengers are protected from impact by other means — for example, by handrails or continuous benches.

If toilets are provided at a station, then a minimum of one unisex cubicle shall be wheelchair accessible.

If toilets are provided at a station, baby nappy changing facilities shall be provided which are accessible to both men and women.

All items of furniture and free-standing devices at stations shall contrast with their background, and have rounded edges.

Within the station confines, furniture and free-standing devices (including cantilevered and suspended items) shall be positioned where they do not obstruct blind or visually impaired people, or they shall be detectable by a person using a long cane.

On each platform where passengers are allowed to wait for trains, and at every waiting area, there shall be a minimum of one area fitted with seating facilities and a space for a wheelchair.

When this area is weather protected, it shall be accessible by a wheelchair user.

Where manual ticket sales counters, information desks and customer assistance points are provided along the obstacle-free route, a minimum of one desk shall be accessible to a wheelchair user and to people of small stature and a minimum of one desk shall be fitted with an induction loop system for hearing assistance.

If there is a glass barrier between the passenger and sales person at the ticket counter, this shall either be removable or, if not removable, an intercom system shall be fitted. Any such glass barrier shall consist of clear glass.

If electronic devices are fitted that displays pricing information to the sales person, such devices shall also be fitted that display the price to the person purchasing the ticket.

Where ticket vending machines are provided on an obstacle free route at a station, a minimum of one of these machines shall have an interface that is reachable by a wheelchair user and people of small stature.

If ticket control machines are fitted, a minimum of one of the machines shall have a free passageway with a minimum width of 90 cm and shall be able to accommodate an occupied wheelchair up to 1 250 mm in length. In the case of upgrade or renewal, a minimum width of 80 cm is permitted.

If turnstiles are used, there shall be a non-turnstile access point available for use by persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility at all operational times.

The illuminance level of the external areas of the station shall be sufficient to facilitate way finding and to highlight the changes of level, doors and entrances.

The illuminance level along obstacle-free routes shall be adapted to the visual task of the passenger. Particular attention shall be paid to the changes of levels, ticket vending offices and machines, information desks and information displays.

The platforms shall be illuminated according the specification referenced in Appendix A, index 3 and index 4.

Emergency lighting shall provide sufficient visibility for evacuation and for identification of fire-fighting and safety equipment.

The following information shall be provided:

The fonts, symbols and pictograms used for visual information shall contrast with their background.

Signposting shall be provided at all points where passengers need to make a route taking decision and at intervals on the route. Signage, symbols and pictograms shall be applied consistently over the whole route.

The information concerning the departure of trains (including destination, intermediate stops, platform number and time) shall be available at a height of 160 cm maximum at least in one location in the station. This requirement applies to printed and dynamic information whatever is provided.

The typeface used for texts shall be easily readable.

All safety, warning, mandatory action and prohibition signs shall include pictograms.

Tactile information signage shall be fitted in:

Time information presented in digits shall be in the 24 h system

The following specific graphic symbols and pictograms shall be fitted with the wheelchair symbol in accordance with appendix N:

The symbols are permitted to be combined with other symbols (for example: lift, toilet, etc.).

Where inductive loops are fitted these shall be indicated by a sign as described in appendix N.

In wheelchair accessible toilets, where hinged handrails are provided, a graphic symbol showing the rail in both the stowed and deployed position shall be provided.

There shall be no more than five pictograms, together with a directional arrow, indicating a single direction placed adjacent to each other at a single location.

Displays shall be compliant with the requirements of point 5.3.1.1. In this point, the term ‘display’ shall be understood as any support of dynamic information.

The spoken information shall have a minimum STI-PA level of 0,45, in accordance with the specification referenced in Appendix A, index 5.

The danger area of a platform commences at the rail side edge of the platform and is defined as the area where passengers are not allowed to stand when trains are passing or arriving.

It is permitted for the width of the platform to be variable on the whole length of the platform.

The minimum width of the platform without obstacles shall be the width of the danger area plus the width of two opposing freeways of 80 cm (160 cm). This dimension may taper to 90 cm at the platform ends.

It is permitted to have obstacles inside this freeway of 160 cm. Equipment required for the signalling system and safety equipment shall not be considered as obstacles in this point. The minimum distance from obstacles to the danger area shall be according to the following table:

Table 4

Minimum distance from obstacles to the danger area

If there are auxiliary facilities on-board trains, or on the platform, to allow wheelchair users to board on or alight from trains, a free space (no obstacles) of 150 cm from the edge of the facility towards the direction where the wheelchair boards/lands at/to the platform level, shall be provided where such facilities are likely to be used. A new station shall meet this requirement for all trains that are planned to stop at the platform.

The boundary of the danger area, furthest from the rail side edge of the platform, shall have a visual marking and tactile walking surface indicators.

The visual marking shall be a contrasting, slip resistant, warning line with a minimum width of 10 cm.

Tactile walking surface indicators can be one of the two types:

The material at the rail side edge of the platform shall contrast with the darkness of the gap.

The end of the platform shall either be fitted with a barrier that prevents public access or shall have a visual marking and tactile walking surface indicators with an attention pattern indicating a hazard.

If a platform ramp is used, it shall comply with the requirements of point 5.3.1.2.

If a platform lift is used, it shall comply with the requirements of point 5.3.1.3.

A secure storage method shall be provided to ensure that boarding aids, including portable ramps, when stored on a platform, do not cause an obstruction or pose any hazard to passengers.

Level track crossings in stations are permitted to be used as part of a step-free route or of an obstacle-free route according to National Rules.

If level track crossings are used as parts of step free routes in addition to other routes, they shall:

If level track crossings are used as parts of obstacles free routes, unique solution for all passengers, they shall

If any of the above requirements cannot be met, the level track crossing shall not be considered part of a step-free route or of an obstacle-free route.

In light of the essential requirements in Section 3, the functional and technical specifications of the subsystem rolling stock related to accessibility for persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility are arranged as follows:

Handholds or vertical handrails or other items that can be used for personal stability, whilst using the aisle, shall be provided on all aisle-side seats unless the seat, when in the upright position, is within 200 mm of:

Handholds or other items that can be used for personal stability shall be positioned at a height of between 800 mm and 1 200 mm above the floor, measured from the centre of the usable part of the handhold, shall not protrude into the clearway and shall contrast with the seat.

In seating areas with fixed longitudinal seats, handrails shall be used for personal stability. These handrails shall be at a maximum distance of 2 000 mm apart, shall be positioned at a height of between 800 mm and 1 200 mm above the floor and shall contrast with the vehicle interior surroundings.

The handholds or other items shall not have sharp edges.

Not less than 10 per cent of the seats by fixed trainset or individual vehicle, and by class shall be designated as priority seats for the use of persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility.

The priority seats and vehicles containing them shall be identified by signs complying with appendix N. It shall be stated that other passengers shall make such seats available to those who are eligible to use them when required.

The priority seats shall be located within the passenger saloon and in close proximity to external doors. In double deck vehicles or trainsets, priority seats can be present on both decks.

The level of equipment fitted to the priority seats shall, as a minimum, be the same as that fitted to general seats of the same type.

When seats of a certain type are fitted with armrests, priority seats of the same type shall be fitted with movable armrests. This excludes armrests placed along the vehicle body side or along a partition wall in case of compartments. The movable armrest shall move into a position in line with the seat back cushion to enable unrestricted access to the seat or to any adjacent priority seats.

Priority seats shall not be tip-up seats.

Each priority seat and the space available to its user shall comply with the figures H1 to H4 from Appendix H.

The whole useful sitting surface of the priority seat shall be a minimum of 450 mm wide (see figure H1).

The top of each priority seat cushion shall be between 430 and 500 mm above floor level at the front edge of the seat.

The clear headroom above each seat shall be at least 1 680 mm from floor level, except on double-decker trains on which luggage racks are provided above the seats. In such case reduced headroom of 1 520 mm is permitted for priority seats underneath the luggage racks, provided that at least 50 % of priority seats maintain headroom of 1 680 mm.

Where reclining seats are fitted, the dimensions shall be measured when the seats are in their fully upright position.

Where uni-directional priority seats are provided, the clearance in front of each seat shall comply with figure H2.

The distance between the front surface of the seat back and the vertical plane through the rearmost part of the seat in front shall be a minimum of 680 mm, noting that the required seat pitch shall be measured from the centre of the seat 70 mm above where the cushion meets the back support.

There shall also be a clear space between the front edge of the seat cushion and the same vertical plane for the seat in front of a minimum of 230 mm.

Where facing priority seats are provided, the distance between the front edges of the seat cushions shall be a minimum of 600 mm (See figure H3). Such distance shall be maintained even if one of the facing seats is not a priority seat.

Where facing priority seats are equipped with a table, there shall be a minimum clear horizontal distance between the front edge of the seat cushion and the leading edge of the table of at least 230 mm (See figure H4). When one of the facing seats is not a priority seat, its distance to the table can be reduced provided that the distance between the front edges of the seat cushions remains 600 mm. Sidewall mounted tables which length does not extend over the centre line of the window seat do not need to be considered for conformity with this paragraph.

According to the length of the unit, excluding the locomotive or power head, there shall be in that unit not less than the number of accessible wheelchair spaces shown in the following table:

Table 5

Minimum number of wheelchair spaces per unit length

To ensure stability, the wheelchair space shall be designed for the wheelchair to be positioned either facing or back to the direction of travel.

Over the full length of the wheelchair space the width shall be 700 mm from floor level to a minimum height of 1 450 mm with an additional 50 mm width to give clearance for hands on each side that is adjacent to any obstacle that will inhibit clearance for the wheelchair users hands (e.g. wall or structure) from a height of 400 mm to 800 mm above floor level (if one side of the wheelchair is adjacent to the aisle there is no additional 50 mm requirement for that side of the wheelchair as it is already free space).

The minimum distance in the longitudinal plane between the back of the wheelchair space and the next surface shall be in accordance with Appendix I, figures I1 to I3.

There shall be no obstruction of the designated space between the floor and the ceiling of the vehicle other than an overhead luggage rack, a horizontal handrail in accordance with the requirements of point 4.2.2.9 attached to the wall or ceiling of the vehicle, or a table.

The back of the wheelchair space shall be a structure or other acceptable fitting of at least 700 mm wide. The height of the structure, or fitting, shall be capable of preventing a wheelchair that has been positioned with its back against the structure or fitting, from tipping over backwards.

Tip-up seats may be installed in the wheelchair space but, when in the stowed position, shall not encroach on the dimensional requirements of the wheelchair space.

It is not allowed to install any permanent equipment such as bicycle hooks or ski racks into the wheelchair space or directly in front of it.

At least one seat shall be available either adjacent to or facing to each of the wheelchair spaces for a companion to travel with the wheelchair user. This seat shall offer the same level of comfort as the other passenger seats, and may also be situated on the opposing side of the aisle.

On trains with a design speed higher than 250 km/h excepting double deck trains, it shall be possible for a wheelchair user occupying a wheelchair space to transfer onto a passenger seat that shall be equipped with a movable armrest. Such transfer is made by the wheelchair user in autonomy. In that case, it is allowed that the companion seat is shifted to another row. This requirement is applicable up to the number of wheelchair spaces per unit specified in table 5.

The wheelchair space shall be fitted with a call for aid device that shall, in the event of danger, provide to a wheelchair user the possibility to inform a person who can take appropriate action.

The call for aid device shall be placed within the comfortable reach range of the person using the wheelchair as shown in Appendix L, figure L1.

The call for aid device shall not be placed within a narrow recess which prevents immediate intentional palm operation but can be protected from unintentional use.

The interface of the call for aid device shall be as defined in point 5.3.2.6.

A sign conforming to appendix N shall be placed immediately next to, or in the wheelchair space so as to identify the space as the wheelchair space.

These requirements apply only to doors providing access to another public part of the train, with the exclusion of toilet doors.

To latch or unlatch a manually operated door, for use by the public, the control device shall be operable by the palm of the hand exerting a force not exceeding 20 N.

Door controls, whether manual, pushbuttons or other devices, shall contrast with the surface on which they are mounted.

Their interface with passengers shall comply with the specifications of point 5.3.2.1.

If both open and closed door control devices are fitted one above the other, the top device shall always be the open control.

All exterior passenger doorways shall have a minimum clear useable width of 800 mm when open.

On trains with a design speed lower than 250 km/h, wheelchair access doors offering a level access as defined in point 2.3 shall have a minimum clear useable width of 1 000 mm when open.

All exterior passenger doorways shall be marked on the outside in a way that gives a contrast to the vehicle body-side surrounding them.

The designated wheelchair exterior accessible doorways shall be the closest doorways to the designated wheelchair spaces.

The doors to be used for wheelchair access shall be clearly labelled with a sign in accordance with appendix N.

From the inside of the vehicle the position of external doorways shall clearly be marked by use of contrasted adjacent flooring.

When a door is released for opening a signal shall be given that is clearly audible and visible to persons inside and outside the train. This alert signal shall last for a minimum of five seconds unless the door is operated, in which case it may cease after 3 seconds.

When a door is automatically or remotely opened by the driver or other member of the train crew, the alert signal shall last for a minimum 3 seconds from the moment that the door starts to open.

When a door that is automatically or remotely closed, is about to operate, an audible and visible alert signal shall be given to persons inside and outside the train. The alert signal shall start a minimum of 2 seconds before the door starts to close and shall continue while the door is closing.

The sound source for door alert signals shall be located in the area local to the control device or, if there is no such control device, adjacent to the doorway.

The visible signal shall be visible from inside and outside the train and shall be located such that it minimises the opportunity for it to be obscured by passengers located in the vestibule.

Passenger doors audible alert signals shall be according to the specification in appendix G.

The method of door activation shall be by train crew, semi-automatic (i.e. passenger pushbutton operation) or automatic.

The door control shall be located either next to or on the door leaf.

The centre of exterior door opening control, operable from the platform, shall be not less than 800 mm and not more than 1 200 mm measured vertically above platforms, for all platforms for which the train is designed. If the train is designed for a single platform height, the centre of exterior door opening control shall be not less than 800 mm and not more than 1 100 mm measured vertically above that platform height.

The centre of internal door opening control for the exterior door shall be not less than 800 mm and not more than 1 100 mm measured vertically above the vehicle floor level.

Internal automatic and semi-automatic doors shall incorporate devices that prevent passengers becoming trapped during operation of the doors.

Interior doors that are made available for wheelchair users shall have a minimum clear useable width of 800 mm.

The force required to open or close a manual door shall not exceed 60 N.

The centre of interior door controls shall be not less than 800 mm and not more than 1 100 mm measured vertically above the vehicle floor level.

Automatic inter-vehicle connecting doors shall operate either synchronously as a pair, or the second door shall automatically detect the person moving towards it and open.

If more than 75 % of a door's surface is made of a transparent material, it shall be clearly marked with visual indicators.

Minimum values of average illuminance in the passenger areas shall be according to point 4.1.2 of the specification referenced in Appendix A, index 6. Requirements relative to the uniformity of these values are not applicable for conformity with this TSI.

When toilets are fitted in a train, a universal toilet shall be provided accessible from the wheelchair space.

The standard toilet shall be compliant with the requirements of points 5.3.2.2 and 5.3.2.3.

The universal toilet shall be compliant with the requirements of points 5.3.2.2 and 5.3.2.4.

When toilets are fitted in a train a baby nappy changing facility shall be provided. If separate nursery facilities are not provided or if separate nursery facilities are provided but are not accessible to a wheelchair user, a table shall be incorporated within the universal toilets. It shall be compliant with the requirements of point 5.3.2.5.

From the vehicle entrance, the section of the clearway shall be as follows:

The minimum height requirement does not need to be verified in:

In those areas, reduced headroom is accepted as a consequence of structural constraints (gauge, physical space).

A turning space, with a minimum diameter of 1 500 mm, shall be provided adjacent to the wheelchair space and in other locations where wheelchairs are supposed to turn 180o. The wheelchair space may be part of the turning circle.

If a change in direction is required for a wheelchair user, the clearway width of both corridors shall be in accordance to table K1 of Appendix K.

The following information shall be provided:

Visual information shall contrast with its background.

The typeface used for texts shall be easily readable.

Time information presented in digits shall be in the 24 h system

All safety, warning, mandatory action and prohibition signs shall include pictograms and shall be designed according to the specification referenced in Appendix A, index 7.

There shall be no more than five pictograms, together with a directional arrow, indicating a single direction placed adjacent to each other at a single location.

The following specific pictograms shall be fitted with the wheelchair symbol in accordance with appendix N:

The symbols can be combined with other symbols (for example: carriage number, toilet, etc.).

Where inductive loops are fitted these shall be indicated by a pictogram complying with appendix N.

In universal toilets, where hinged handrails are provided, a pictogram showing the rail in both the stowed and deployed positions shall be provided.

If a vehicle provides reserved seats then the number or letter of that vehicle (as used in the reservation system) shall be displayed externally on or adjacent to all its access doors. The number or letter shall be displayed in characters not less than 70 mm high and shall be visible when the door is open and closed.

If seats are identified by numbers or letters, the number or letter of the seat shall be displayed on or adjacent to every seat in characters not less than 12 mm high. Such numbers and letters shall contrast with their background.

Tactile information signage shall be fitted in:

The final destination or route shall be displayed on the outside of the train on the platform side adjacent to at least one of the passenger access doors on a minimum of alternate vehicles of the train.

Where trains operate in a system, in which dynamic visual information is given on the station platform every 50 m or less, and destination or route information is also provided on the front of the train, it is not mandatory to provide information on the sides of vehicles.

The final destination or route of the train shall be displayed inside each vehicle.

The next stop of the train shall be displayed such that it can be read from a minimum of 51 % of passenger seats inside each vehicle including 51 % of the priority seats, and from all wheelchair spaces.

This information shall be displayed at least two minutes before arrival at the station concerned. If the next station is less than two minutes planned journey time away, the next station shall be displayed immediately following departure from the previous station.

The requirement to make the destination and ‘next stop’ information visible from 51 % of passenger seats does not apply to compartment carriages where the compartments have a maximum of 8 seats and are served by an adjacent corridor. However, this information shall be visible to a person standing in a corridor outside a compartment and to a passenger occupying a wheelchair space.

The information about the next stop may be displayed on the same support as the final destination. However, it shall revert to show the final destination as soon as the train has stopped.

If the system is automated, it shall be possible to suppress or correct incorrect or misleading information.

Internal and external displays shall comply with the requirements of point 5.3.2.7. In this point, the term ‘display’ shall be understood as any support of dynamic information.

The train shall be fitted with a public address system which shall be used either for routine or emergency announcements by the driver or by another crew member who has specific responsibility for passengers.

The public address system may operate on a manual, an automated or pre-programmed basis. If the public address system is automated, it shall be possible to suppress, or correct, incorrect or misleading information.

The public address system shall be capable of announcing the destination and next stop of the train at each stop, or on departure from each stop.

The public address system shall be capable of announcing the next stop of the train at least two minutes before the arrival of the train at that stop. If the next station is less than two minutes planned journey time away, the next station shall be announced immediately following departure from the previous station.

The spoken information shall have a minimum STI-PA level of 0,45, in accordance with the specification referenced in Appendix A, index 5. The public address system shall meet the requirement at all seat locations and wheelchair spaces.

Internal steps (other than those for external access) shall have a maximum height of 200 mm and a minimum depth of 280 mm, measured at the central axis of the stairs. For double deck trains it is permitted to reduce this value to 270 mm for the stairs accessing the upper deck and the lower deck.

As a minimum the first and the last step shall be indicated by a contrasting band with a depth of 45 mm to 55 mm extending the full width of the steps on both the front and the top surfaces of the step nosing.

Stairs constituted of more than three steps shall be provided with handrails on both sides and at two levels. The higher handrail shall be positioned at a height of 850 mm to 1 000 mm above floor level. The lower handrail shall be positioned at a height of 500 mm to 750 mm above floor level.

Stairs constituted of one, two or three steps shall be provided on both sides with a minimum of one handrail or other item that can be used for personal stability.

Handrails shall be compliant with point 4.2.2.9

No steps are allowed between the vestibule of a wheelchair accessible exterior door, the wheelchair space, a universal sleeping compartment and the universal toilet except for a door threshold strip that shall not exceed 15 mm in height or except in case that a lift is provided to overcome the step. The lift shall comply with the requirements of point 5.3.2.10.

For ramps in rolling stock the maximum slope shall not exceed the following values:

Table 6

Maximum slope for ramps in rolling stock

All handrails fitted to a vehicle shall be round in section with an outside diameter of 30 mm to 40 mm, and shall have a minimum clear distance of 45 mm to any adjacent surface other than its mountings.

If a handrail is curved, the radius to the inside face of the curve shall be a minimum of 50 mm.

All handrails shall contrast with their background.

External doorways shall be provided with handrails on both sides, fitted internally as close as practicable to the vehicle outer wall. Exception can be made for one side of the doorway if it is fitted with a device such as an on-board lift.

Those handrails shall be:

Where the clearway of the gangway is narrower than 1 000 mm and longer than 2 000 mm there shall be handrails or handholds provided in, or adjacent to, inter-vehicle gangways that are provided for passenger use.

Where the clearway of the gangway is wider than or equal to 1 000 mm handrails or handholds shall be provided in the gangway.

When a train is equipped with sleeping accommodation for passengers, it shall provide a vehicle containing at least one wheelchair accessible sleeping accommodation.

If there is more than one vehicle with sleeping accommodation for passengers in a train, there shall be not less than two wheelchair accessible sleeping accommodations in the train.

If a rail vehicle provides wheelchair accessible sleeping accommodation, the exterior of the relevant vehicle door and the wheelchair accessible sleeping accommodation door shall be marked with a sign in accordance with appendix N.

The wheelchair accessible sleeping accommodation internal space shall take in consideration the requirements of point 4.2.2.6 for actions expected from the wheelchair user in the sleeping accommodation.

The sleeping accommodation shall be fitted with not less than two call for aid devices that shall when operated, send a signal to a person who can take appropriate action; they need not initiate a communication.

The interface of the call for aid devices shall be as defined in point 5.3.2.6.

One call for aid device shall be placed not more than 450 mm above the floor, measured vertically from the surface of the floor to the centre of the control. It shall be positioned so that the control can be reached by a person lying on the floor.

The other call for aid device shall be not less than 600 mm and not more than 800 mm above the floor measured vertically to the centre of the control.

These two call for aid devices shall be located on different vertical surfaces of the sleeping accommodation.

The call for aid devices shall be distinct from any other control within the sleeping accommodation, be coloured differently from other control devices and contrast with their background.

It shall be demonstrated that the point situated in the central position on the nose of the access step of each passenger access door on both sides of a vehicle in working order with new wheels standing centrally on the rails, shall be located inside the surface identified as ‘step location’ on the figure 1 below.

Figure 1

The values of bq0, δh, δν+ and δν– depend on the type of platform where the rolling stock is intended to stop. They shall be as follows:

Table 7 for all rolling stock intended to stop, in normal operation, at platforms of 550 mm height:

Table 7

Values of δh, δν+ and δν– for a 550 mm platform

Table 8 for all rolling stock intended to stop, in normal operation, at platforms of 760 mm height:

Table 8

Values of δh, δν+ and δν– for a 760 mm platform

Table 9 for all rolling stock intended to stop, in normal operation, at both platforms of 760 mm height and platforms of 550 mm height, and having two or more access steps:

For one step, values of the table 7 above apply, and for the next step towards the vehicle interior the following values apply, based upon a nominal platform height of 760 mm:

Table 9

Values of δh, δν+ and δν– for the second step for a 760 mm platform

The technical documentation requested in point 4.2.12 of the LOC&PAS TSI shall include information about the height and offset of the theoretical platform resulting in a vertical gap (δν+ ) of 230 mm and in a horizontal gap (δh ) of 200 mm from the point situated in the central position of the nose of the rolling stock's lowest step on a straight level track.

All steps for access and egress shall be slip resistant and shall have an effective clear width as large as the doorway width.

Internal steps for external access shall have a minimum depth of 240 mm between the vertical edges of the step and a maximum height of 200 mm. The height of each step may be increased to a maximum of 230 mm if it can be demonstrated that this achieves a reduction of one in the total number of steps required.

The rising height of each step shall be equal.

As a minimum the first and the last steps shall be indicated by a contrasting band with a depth of 45 mm to 55 mm extending a minimum of 80 % of the width of the steps on the top surface of the step nosing. A similar band shall indicate the front surface of the last step when entering the unit.

An external access step, fixed or moveable, shall have a maximum height of 230 mm between steps and a minimum depth of 150 mm.

If a step board is fitted and it is an extension of a door sill outside the vehicle, and there is no change in level between the step board and the floor of the vehicle, this shall not be considered to be a step for the purposes of this specification. A minimal drop in level, with a maximum of 60 mm, between the floor surface at door sill and that of the exterior of the vehicle, used to guide and seal the door is also permissible and shall not be considered as a step.

Access to the vestibule of the vehicle shall be achieved with a maximum of 4 steps of which one may be external.

Rolling stock intended to stop, in normal operation, at existing platforms below 380 mm height and having their passenger access doors above bogies need not comply with points (2) and (5) above if it can be demonstrated that this achieves a more even distribution of the steps height.

A secure storage system shall be provided to ensure that boarding aids, including portable ramps, do not impinge on a passenger's wheelchair or mobility aid or pose any hazard to passengers in the event of a sudden stop.

The following types of boarding aids may be present in the rolling stock according to the rules defined in point 4.4.3:

A moveable step is a retractable device integrated into the vehicle lower than the door threshold level, fully automatic and activated in conjunction with the door opening/closing sequences.

A bridging plate is a retractable device integrated into the vehicle as close as possible to the door threshold level, fully automatic and activated in conjunction with the door opening/closing sequences.

In the case of the movable step or bridging plate extending beyond that permitted by the gauging rules, the train shall be immobilised whilst the step or plate is extended.

The extension of the moveable step or bridging plate shall be completed before the door opening permits the passengers to cross and conversely, removal of the step or plate may only begin when the door opening no longer permits any crossing of passengers.

Movable steps and bridging plates shall comply with the requirements of point 5.3.2.8.

An on-board ramp is a device that is positioned between the vehicle door threshold and the platform. It can be manual, semi-automatic or automatic.

On-board ramps shall comply with the requirements of point 5.3.2.9.

An on-board lift is a device integrated into the doorway of a vehicle that shall be able to overcome the maximum height difference between the vehicle floor and the station platform where operated.

When the lift is in the stowed position the doorway shall have a minimum useable width according to point 4.2.2.3.2.

On-board lifts shall comply with the requirements of point 5.3.2.10.

General

The infrastructure manager or station manager shall have a written policy to ensure that all persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility can access the passenger infrastructure at all operational times in accordance with the technical requirements of this TSI. Furthermore, the policy shall be compatible with any railway undertaking's policy that may wish to use the facilities, (refer to point 4.4.2) as appropriate. The policy shall be implemented through the provision of adequate information to staff, procedures and training. The infrastructure policy shall include, but not be limited to, operating rules for the following situations:

Station Accessibility

Operating rules shall be made to ensure that information regarding the level of accessibility of all stations is available.

Unstaffed Stations — Ticketing for Visually Impaired Passengers

Operating rules shall be written and implemented with respect to unstaffed stations where vending machines are relied upon for ticketing (refer to point 4.2.1.8). In such situations, an alternative means of ticketing, accessible to visually impaired passengers, shall always be available (for example, permitting purchasing either on the train or at the destination).

Ticketing Control — Turnstiles

In cases where turnstiles are utilised for ticketing control, operational rules shall be implemented, whereby disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility are offered parallel access through such control points. This special access shall permit wheelchair users, and may be controlled by staff or be automatic.

Lighting of platforms

It is allowed that lighting be switched off on platforms where no train is expected.

Visual and Spoken Information — Achieving Consistency

Operating rules shall be implemented to ensure consistency between essential visual and spoken information (refer to points 4.2.1.10 and 4.2.1.11). Staff making announcements shall follow standard procedures to achieve complete consistency of essential information.

Advertisements shall not be combined with the routing information.

Note: General information about public transport services shall not be considered as advertisements for the purposes of this point.

On-demand Spoken Passenger Information System

Where spoken information is not provided via a public address system at a station (refer to point 4.2.1.11), operating rules shall be implemented to ensure the provision of an alternative information system, whereby passengers are able to acquire the same information audibly at the station (e.g. a staffed or automated telephone information service).

Platform — Wheelchair Boarding Aid Operational Zone

The railway undertaking and the infrastructure manager or station manager shall define together the area(s) on the platform where the facility is likely to be used, taking account of train composition variations.

Operational rules shall be implemented to determine, where possible, the stopping point of trains according to the location of this (or these) operational zone(s).

Safety of Manual and Powered Wheelchair Boarding Aids

Operations rules shall be implemented concerning the operation of boarding aids by station staff (refer to point 4.2.1.14).

An operational rule shall be implemented concerning the use by staff of the moveable safety barrier fitted to wheelchair lifts (refer to point 4.2.1.14).

Operational rules shall be implemented to ensure that staff is able to safely operate boarding ramps, with respect to deployment, securing, raising, lowering and stowing (refer to point 4.2.1.14).

Assistance to board and alight the train

Operational rules shall be implemented to ensure that staff are aware that persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility may require assistance to board and alight the train, and shall provide such assistance if required.

Conditions on which assistance to persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility is provided are defined in Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 (2).

Supervised Level Track Crossing

Where supervised level track crossing is permitted, operating rules shall be implemented to ensure that staff at supervised level track crossings give appropriate assistance to persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility, including indication of when it is safe to cross the track.

General

The railway undertaking shall have a written policy to ensure accessibility to passenger rolling stock at all operational times in accordance with the technical requirements of this TSI. Furthermore, the policy shall be compatible with the infrastructure manager or station manager policy (refer to point 4.4.1) as appropriate. The policy shall be implemented through the provision of adequate information to staff, procedures and training. The rolling stock policy shall include, but not be limited to, operating rules for the following situations:

Access and Reservation of Priority Seats

Two possible conditions exist in connection with seats classified as ‘priority’; (i) unreserved and (ii) reserved (refer to point 4.2.2.1.2). In case (i) the operating rules will be directed to other passengers (i.e. provision of signage) requesting them to ensure that priority is given to all persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility that are defined as being eligible to use such seats and that occupied priority seats should be given-up as appropriate. In case (ii) operating rules shall be implemented by the railway undertaking to ensure that the ticketing reservation system is equitable with regards to persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility. Such rules will ensure that priority seating is initially only available for reservation by persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility until a given cut-off period prior to departure. After this point in time, priority seats will be made available to the entire passenger population, including persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility.

Carriage of Assistance Dogs

Operating rules shall be made to ensure that persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility with an assistance dog shall not be charged extra.

Access and Reservation of Wheelchair Spaces

The priority seating access and reservation rules also apply to wheelchair spaces, with only wheelchair users having priority. Additionally, operating rules shall provide for (i) unreserved or (ii) reserved accompanying persons (non-PRM) seating adjacent or facing the wheelchair space.

Access and Reservation of Universal Sleeping Compartments

The priority seating reservation rules also apply to universal sleeping compartments (refer to point 4.2.2.10). However, operational rules shall prevent non-reserved occupation of universal sleeping compartments (i.e. advanced booking will always be necessary).

Train crew — exterior doors activation

Operational rules shall be implemented regarding the procedure for external door activation by train crew to ensure safety of all passengers including persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility (refer to point 4.2.2.3.2).

Call for aid device in wheelchair space, universal toilets or wheelchair accessible sleeping accommodation

Operational rules shall be implemented to ensure appropriate response and action from the staff in the event of activation of the call for aid device (refer to paragraphs 4.2.2.2, 4.2.2.5 and 4.2.2.10). Response and action need not be the same according to the origin of the call for aid.

Audible safety instructions in case of emergency

Operational rules shall be implemented regarding the transmission of audible safety instructions to passengers in the event of an emergency (refer to point 4.2.2.7.4). These rules shall include the nature of the instructions and of their transmission.

the station platforms where a boarding aid has to be operated by the infrastructure manager or the station manager and the rolling stock for which it will be used,

the station platforms where a boarding aid has to be operated by the Railway Undertaking and the rolling stock for which it will be used,

the rolling stock where a boarding aid has to be provided and operated by the railway undertaking and the station platform where it will be used,

the rolling stock where a boarding aid has to be provided by the railway undertaking and operated by the infrastructure manager or station manager, and the station platforms where it will be used.

the conditions for the provision of alternative transport where:

Professional training of staff performing the tasks of accompanying trains, delivering service and help for passengers at a station and of selling tickets shall include the subject of disability awareness and equality, including the specific needs of all persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility.

Professional training of engineers and managers, responsible for maintaining and operating the infrastructure or the rolling stock, shall include the subject of disability awareness and equality, including the specific needs of all persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility.

Displays shall be sized to show individual station names or words of messages. Each station name, or words of messages, shall be displayed for a minimum of 2 seconds.

If a scrolling display is used (either horizontal or vertical), each complete word shall be displayed for a minimum of 2 seconds and the horizontal scrolling speed shall not exceed 6 characters per second.

Displays shall be designed and assessed for an area of use defined by the maximum viewing distance according to the following formula:

Reading distance in mm divided by 250 = font size (for example: 10 000 mm/250 = 40 mm).

Ramps shall be designed and assessed for an area of use defined by the maximum vertical gap they can overcome within a maximum slope of 18 %.

Ramps shall accommodate a wheelchair with characteristics as detailed in appendix M.

Ramps shall withstand a weight of at least 300 kg, placed at the centre of the device distributed over an area of 660 mm by 660 mm.

If the ramp is power operated it shall incorporate a method of manual operation should power fail.

The ramp surface shall be slip resistant and shall have an effective clear width of a minimum of 760 mm.

Ramps having a clear width of less than 1 000 mm shall have raised edges on both sides to prevent mobility aid wheels from slipping off.

The upstands at both ends of the ramp shall be bevelled and shall not be higher than 20 mm. They shall have contrasting hazard warning bands.

The ramp shall be equipped with a mechanism to securely locate the ramp so that it is not subject to displacement when in use for boarding or alighting.

The ramp shall be provided with self-contrasting markings.

Lifts shall be designed and assessed for an area of use defined by the maximum vertical gap they can overcome.

Lifts shall accommodate a wheelchair with characteristics as detailed in appendix M.

Lifts shall withstand a weight of at least 300 kg, placed at the centre of the device distributed over an area of 660 mm by 660 mm.

The lift platform surface shall be slip resistant.

At surface level, the lift platform shall have a minimum clear width of 800 mm and a length of 1 200 mm. According to appendix M, an additional length of 50 mm shall be available for feet above a height of 100 mm above the lift platform, considering both inboard and outboard orientations of the wheelchair user.

The bridging plate overriding the gap between the lift platform and the carriage floor shall have a minimum width of 760 mm.

Where provided, each control for deploying, lowering to ground level, raising and stowing the lift shall require continuous manual pressure by the operator and shall not allow an improper lift sequencing when the lift platform is occupied.

The lift shall incorporate a method of deploying, lowering to ground level with a lift occupant, and raising and stowing the empty lift if the power to the lift fails.

No part of the lift platform shall move at a rate exceeding 150 mm/second during lowering and lifting an occupant, and shall not exceed 600 mm/second during deploying or stowing (except if the lift is manually deployed or stowed).

The maximum lift platform horizontal and vertical acceleration when occupied shall be 0,3 g.

The lift platform shall be equipped with barriers to prevent any of the wheels of a wheelchair from rolling off the lift platform during its operation.

A movable barrier or inherent design feature shall prevent a wheelchair from rolling off the edge closest to the vehicle until the lift is in its fully raised position.

Each side of the lift platform which extends beyond the vehicle in its raised position shall have a barrier a minimum 25 mm high. Such barriers shall not interfere with manoeuvring into or out of the aisle.

The loading-edge barrier (outer barrier) which functions as a loading ramp when the lift is at ground level, shall be sufficient when raised or closed, or a supplementary system shall be provided, to prevent a power wheelchair from riding over or defeating it.

The lift shall permit both inboard and outboard orientation of the wheelchair user.

The lift shall be provided with self-contrasting markings.

A door control device shall have visual indication, on or around it when enabled and shall be operable by the palm of the hand exerting a force not greater than 15 N.

It shall be identifiable by touch (for example: tactile markings); this identification shall indicate the functionality.

The centre of any door handle, lock or door control device on the exterior or interior of the toilet compartment shall be located at a minimum of 800 mm and a maximum of 1 100 mm above the toilet door threshold.

A visual and tactile (or audible) indication shall be given inside and outside the toilet to indicate when a door has been locked.

Any door control device and other equipment inside the toilet compartment (except for baby nappy change facilities and call for aid devices) shall be operable by exerting a force not exceeding 20 N.

Any control device, including flushing system, shall contrast with the background surface, and shall be identifiable by touch.

Clear, precise information for the operation of any control device shall be provided, making use of pictograms and shall be tactile.

The toilet seat and lid, and any handrails shall contrast with the background.

A standard toilet is not designed to be accessible to a wheelchair user.

The minimum door useable width shall be 500 mm.

A fixed vertical and/or horizontal handrail according to point 4.2.2.9 shall be provided adjacent to the toilet seat and the wash basin.

A universal toilet is a toilet designed to be used by all passengers including all persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility.

The area of use of a universal toilet is defined by the method used for its assessment (A or B according to point 6.1.3.1).

The toilet access door shall provide a minimum clear useable width of 800 mm. Where the door is automatic or semi-automatic, it shall be possible to open it partially in order to allow a wheelchair user's assistant to leave and re-enter the toilet module.

The exterior of the door shall be marked with a sign in accordance with appendix N.

There shall be sufficient space inside the toilet compartment to enable a wheelchair as defined in appendix M to be manoeuvred to a position allowing both a lateral and a diagonal transfer of the wheelchair occupant to the toilet seat.

There shall be a minimum clear space of 700 mm in front of the toilet seat that shall follow the seat profile.

A horizontal handrail that complies with the requirements of point 4.2.2.9 shall be provided at each side of the toilet seat extending at least to the leading edge of the toilet seat.

The handrail on the wheelchair accessible side shall be hinged in such a way so as to enable an unobstructed transfer for the wheelchair user to and from the toilet seat.

The surface of the toilet seat, when lowered, shall be at a height of 450 mm to 500 mm above the floor level.

All amenities shall be readily accessible to a wheelchair user.

The toilet cubicle shall be fitted with not less than two call for aid devices that shall, when operated, send a signal to a person who can take appropriate action; they need not initiate a communication.

The interface of the call for aid devices shall be as defined in point 5.3.2.6.

One call for aid device shall be placed not more than 450 mm above the floor, measured vertically from the surface of the floor to the centre of the control. It shall be positioned so that the control can be reached by a person lying on the floor.

The other call for aid device shall be not less than 800 mm and not more than 1 100 mm above the floor, measured vertically to the centre of the control.

These two call for aid devices shall be located on different vertical surfaces of the cubicle so that they can be reached from a range of positions.

The control of the call for aid devices shall be distinct from any other control within the toilet, be coloured differently from other control devices and contrast with their background.

If a baby nappy changing table is provided, in the lowered position its usable surface shall be between 800 mm and 1 000 mm above floor level.

The usable surface of the baby nappy changing table shall be a minimum of 500 mm wide and 700 mm long.

It shall be designed to prevent a baby from inadvertently sliding off, shall have no sharp edges and shall be able to take a minimum load of 80 kg.

It shall be possible to put it into the stowed position with only one hand, using a force not exceeding 25 N.

be indicated by a sign having a green or yellow background (according to the specification referenced in appendix A, index 10) and a white symbol, representing a bell or a telephone; the sign can be on the button or bezel or on a separate pictogram;

include tactile symbols;

emit a visual and audible indication to the user that it has been operated;

provide additional operating information if necessary;

be operable by the palm of a person's hand and not require a force exceeding 30 N to operate.

Each station name (which may be abbreviated), or words of messages, shall be displayed for a minimum of 2 seconds.

If a scrolling display is used (either horizontal or vertical), each complete word shall be displayed for a minimum of 2 seconds and the horizontal scrolling speed shall not exceed an average of 6 characters per second.

The typeface used for texts shall be easily readable.

Upper Case Letters and numbers used in external displays shall have a minimum height of 70 mm on front displays and 35 mm on side displays.

Internal displays shall be designed and assessed for an area of use defined by the maximum viewing distance according to the following formula:

Table 13

Area of use of the internal displays for rolling stock

A movable step or bridging plate shall be designed and assessed for an area of use defined by the width of the doorway it can fit.

The mechanical strength of the device shall be according to the specification referenced in Appendix A, index 11.

A suitable mechanism shall be installed in order to ensure the stability of the device in the deployed and retracted position.

The device surface shall be slip resistant and shall have an effective clear width as large as the doorway width.

The device shall be equipped with obstacle detection according to the specification referenced in Appendix A, index 11.

The device shall incorporate a method of deploying and stowing if the power to the step fails.

Ramps shall be designed and assessed for an area of use defined by the maximum vertical gap they can overcome within a maximum slope of 18 %

Ramps shall withstand a weight of at least 300 kg, placed at the centre of the ramp distributed over an area of 660 mm by 660 mm.

An access ramp shall be either positioned manually by staff or deployed semi-automatically by mechanical means, operated by staff or by the passenger.

If the ramp is power operated it shall incorporate a method of manual operation should power fail.

The ramp surface shall be slip resistant and shall have an effective clear width of a minimum of 760 mm.

Ramps having a clear width of less than 1 000 mm shall have raised edges on both sides to prevent mobility aid wheels from slipping off.

The upstands at both ends of the ramp shall be bevelled and shall not be higher than 20 mm. They shall have contrasting hazard warning bands.

When in use for boarding or alighting, the ramp shall be secured in use so that it is not subject to displacement when loading or unloading.

A semi-automatic ramp shall be fitted with a device capable of stopping the movement of that step if its front edge comes into contact with anything or person whilst the plate is in movement.

The ramp shall be provided with self-contrasting markings.

Lifts shall be designed and assessed for an area of use defined by the maximum vertical gap they can overcome.

The lift platform surface shall be slip resistant. At surface level, the lift platform shall have a minimum clear width of 760 mm and a length of 1 200 mm. According to appendix M, an additional length of 50 mm shall be available for feet above a height of 100 mm above the lift platform, considering both inboard and outboard orientations of the wheelchair user.

The bridging plate overriding the gap between the lift platform and the carriage floor shall have a minimum width of 720 mm.

The lift shall withstand a weight of at least 300 kg, placed at the centre of the lift platform distributed over an area of 660 mm by 660 mm.

Where provided, each control for deploying, lowering to ground level, raising and stowing the lift shall require continuous manual pressure and shall not allow an improper lift sequencing when the lift platform is occupied.

The lift shall incorporate a method of deploying, lowering to ground level with a lift occupant, and raising and stowing the empty lift if the power to the lift fails.

No part of the lift platform shall move at a rate exceeding 150 mm/second during lowering and lifting an occupant, and shall not exceed 600 mm/second during deploying or stowing (except if the lift is manually deployed or stowed).

The maximum lift platform horizontal and vertical acceleration when occupied shall be 0,3 g.

The lift platform shall be equipped with barriers to prevent any of the wheels of a wheelchair from rolling off the lift platform during its operation.

A movable barrier or inherent design feature shall prevent a wheelchair from rolling off the edge closest to the vehicle until the lift is in its fully raised position.

Each side of the lift platform which extends beyond the vehicle in its raised position shall have a barrier a minimum 25 mm high. Such barriers shall not interfere with manoeuvring into or out of the aisle.

The loading-edge barrier (outer barrier) which functions as a loading ramp when the lift is at ground level, shall be sufficient when raised or closed, or a supplementary system shall be provided, to prevent a power wheelchair from riding over or defeating it.

The lift shall permit both inboard and outboard orientation of the wheelchair user.

The lift shall be provided with self-contrasting markings.

vehicles where the available floor width is narrower than 2 400 mm,

existing rolling stock when it is renewed or upgraded,

parking facilities,

doors and entrances, transparent obstacles with their marking,

tactile walking surface indicators, tactile information along obstacle-free routes,

ramps and stairs with handrails,

mounting and highlighting of furniture,

ticketing or information counters,

ticket vending and control machines,

visual information: signposting, pictograms, dynamic information,

platforms, including ends and edges, shelters and waiting areas when provided,

level track crossings.

In case an obstacle free route is created from existing footbridges, stairways and subways, including doors, lifts and ticket control machines, compliance with requirements related to dimensions of those in respect of width is not mandatory.

Compliance with requirements related to the minimum width of the platform is not mandatory for existing stations if the cause of non-compliance is the presence of certain platform obstacles (e.g. structural columns, stairwells, lifts, etc.) or existing tracks that are unlikely to be moveable.

Where an existing station, or a part of it, is a recognised historic building and is protected by national law, it is allowed to adapt the requirements of this TSI in order not to infringe the national law for the protection of the building.

Setting the scene (facts and figures — social data — evolution of mobility needs and mobility impairments)

Legislative background

for the elaboration of the NIP (associations consulted, local transport authorities consulted, interface with other NIPs, etc.)

Overview of the inventories: stations

Overview of the inventories: rolling stock

Overview of the inventories: operational rules

Prioritization rule,

Criteria according to which subsystems are treated in the plan.

Extent of the upgrade or renewal of stations and rolling stock

All other works aimed at eliminating barriers to accessibility which are outside the scope of Article 20 of Directive 2008/57/EC

Deployment of operational measures (assistance) to compensate the remaining lack of accessibility

Cross-references to contract agreements (Directive 2012/34/EU art. 30 (1)) and public service contracts (Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 (2))

Other resources

Update of the inventory of assets and comparison with the objectives

Update of the plan

A slow pulse multi tone (up to 2 pulses per second) of 2 tones emitted sequential.

Frequencies

and:

Sound Pressure level

A fast pulsed tone (6-10 pulses per second)

Frequency

Sound Pressure level