Pedestrian safety at rail public transit crossings is critically important. Improved treatments and guidance for safe and effective pedestrian crossings are needed: there is a lack of consistency for rail transit crossing treatments; rail transit services (light rail, commuter rail, and streetcar) are being added in many areas; the number of pedestrians has increased; and the ubiquitous use of cell phones and other electronic devices distracts pedestrians or limits their ability to hear audible warnings. Research is needed that builds on and, as needed, updates the findings and conclusions of relevant manuals, guidance, and reports including but not limited to: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD); TCRP Report 17: Integration of Light Rail Transit into City Streets; TCRP Report 69: Light Rail Service: Pedestrian and Vehicular Safety; TCRP Report 137: Improving Pedestrian and Motorist Safety Along Light Rail Alignments; and  Guidance on Pedestrian Crossing Safety at or Near Passenger Stations prepared by FRA (April 2012).This research should present safe and effective pedestrian crossing treatments and operating practices for rail public transit that can be used with greater consistency across the country.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this research was to develop a guidebook for safe and effective treatments for pedestrian crossings for rail public transit services, including light rail, commuter rail, and streetcar services. The guidebook:   (1) presents effective options considering rail vehicle speed and frequency, geometry of the crossing, sight lines for pedestrians and rail vehicle operators, and operating environment; (2) includes drawings, illustrations, or photos of treatments and ranges of costs; and (3) provides guidance for planning and implementation.

 

STATUS: The guidebook has been published as TCRP Report 175, Guidebook on Pedestrian Crossings of Public Transit Rail Services and is supplemented by a final research report available as TCRP Web-Only Document 63: Treatments Used at Pedestrian Crossings of Public Transit Rail Services.  Both items are available for download from the TRB website.