Optimising railway carriage design for improved dispersion, capacity and safety

This project investigated how rail carriage and platform design can be optimised to address the competing challenges of maximising capacity, reducing boarding and alighting times during peak demand, and ensuring safe egress in emergencies—filling a critical gap in current transport research. By developing and applying a novel four-domain assessment framework through a large-scale survey of Melbourne Metro train users, the study identified critical insights into pre- and post-boarding behaviours, service expectations, and design preferences. Key findings—such as the impact of demographic and trip characteristics on behaviour, and strong passenger preferences for features like real-time occupancy data, clear signage, and seating configurations—have direct implications for rail operators and designers. The project provides both a theoretical framework and practical recommendations to create more inclusive, user-centred rail services, ultimately supporting higher passenger satisfaction and increased public transport usage.

• Developed a data-driven framework to analyse passenger behaviours and spatial preferences, enabling evidence-based evaluation of carriage layout efficiency during high-ridership periods.
  
• Highlighted critical design elements that affect perceptions of safety and accessibility during emergency scenarios, including clear signage, obstacle-free passageways, and appropriate handhold placement.
• Provided foundational data and behavioural insights to inform simulation models of personal space in carriages, supporting future optimisation of rail design under varying operational conditions.
• Offered practical design recommendations for operators and manufacturers, guiding interventions that can minimise dwell time, maximise safe occupancy, and improve the overall passenger experience.
• Trained one PhD student 
• Produced five peer-reviewed publications, including 4 high-quality journal articles