❓ A parliamentary question addresses overcrowding at William Street underground station and the government's measures to prevent falls onto the tracks. The government denies significant overcrowding and outlines existing safety protocols, stating no intention to install physical barriers.
AnsweredQoN 994Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
WILLIAM STREET UNDERGROUND STATION
(1) Are there serious levels of overcrowding on platforms at the William Street underground station from 4.30 pm onwards on most days? (2) Is the government taking steps, including the installation of physical barriers at the edge of the platform, to ensure that people do not fall onto the line? (3) If not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA
(1) Are there serious levels of overcrowding on platforms at the William Street underground station from 4.30 pm onwards on most days? (2) Is the government taking steps, including the installation of physical barriers at the edge of the platform, to ensure that people do not fall onto the line? (3) If not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) No. There were some early problems with customer information display boards, and not all escalators were operating during the first week of operations, which resulted in heavier than expected loadings on some sections of the platforms. However, all customer information display boards and escalators are now operating and this, together with the strategic placement of customer service staff at both platform and concourse levels, has meant that no significant overcrowding has occurred during the second week of operations. The platform area, configuration and design of vertical circulation elements are based on an internationally accepted level of service standards. Platform areas are designed to cater for 2007 patronage plus 50 per cent, which equates to dealing with six crush-loaded trains arriving from each direction during the 15-minute “peak of the peak” period, allowing a minimum area of 0.5 square metres per person. The vertical circulation elements are designed to clear platforms in less than 2.5 minutes to achieve the design level of service for circulation and queuing. Platforms are clearing well within this time frame (2) Yes. Platforms are continuously monitored by staff to ensure that passengers are well away from the platform edge. If any overcrowding is evident, staff can limit passenger numbers entering the platform areas until it is safe to do so. There is no intention to install physical barriers on the edge of the platforms. (3) Not applicable.
(2) Is the government taking steps, including the installation of physical barriers at the edge of the platform, to ensure that people do not fall onto the line? (3) If not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) No. There were some early problems with customer information display boards, and not all escalators were operating during the first week of operations, which resulted in heavier than expected loadings on some sections of the platforms. However, all customer information display boards and escalators are now operating and this, together with the strategic placement of customer service staff at both platform and concourse levels, has meant that no significant overcrowding has occurred during the second week of operations. The platform area, configuration and design of vertical circulation elements are based on an internationally accepted level of service standards. Platform areas are designed to cater for 2007 patronage plus 50 per cent, which equates to dealing with six crush-loaded trains arriving from each direction during the 15-minute “peak of the peak” period, allowing a minimum area of 0.5 square metres per person. The vertical circulation elements are designed to clear platforms in less than 2.5 minutes to achieve the design level of service for circulation and queuing. Platforms are clearing well within this time frame (2) Yes. Platforms are continuously monitored by staff to ensure that passengers are well away from the platform edge. If any overcrowding is evident, staff can limit passenger numbers entering the platform areas until it is safe to do so. There is no intention to install physical barriers on the edge of the platforms. (3) Not applicable.
(3) If not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) No. There were some early problems with customer information display boards, and not all escalators were operating during the first week of operations, which resulted in heavier than expected loadings on some sections of the platforms. However, all customer information display boards and escalators are now operating and this, together with the strategic placement of customer service staff at both platform and concourse levels, has meant that no significant overcrowding has occurred during the second week of operations. The platform area, configuration and design of vertical circulation elements are based on an internationally accepted level of service standards. Platform areas are designed to cater for 2007 patronage plus 50 per cent, which equates to dealing with six crush-loaded trains arriving from each direction during the 15-minute “peak of the peak” period, allowing a minimum area of 0.5 square metres per person. The vertical circulation elements are designed to clear platforms in less than 2.5 minutes to achieve the design level of service for circulation and queuing. Platforms are clearing well within this time frame (2) Yes. Platforms are continuously monitored by staff to ensure that passengers are well away from the platform edge. If any overcrowding is evident, staff can limit passenger numbers entering the platform areas until it is safe to do so. There is no intention to install physical barriers on the edge of the platforms. (3) Not applicable.
Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) No. There were some early problems with customer information display boards, and not all escalators were operating during the first week of operations, which resulted in heavier than expected loadings on some sections of the platforms. However, all customer information display boards and escalators are now operating and this, together with the strategic placement of customer service staff at both platform and concourse levels, has meant that no significant overcrowding has occurred during the second week of operations. The platform area, configuration and design of vertical circulation elements are based on an internationally accepted level of service standards. Platform areas are designed to cater for 2007 patronage plus 50 per cent, which equates to dealing with six crush-loaded trains arriving from each direction during the 15-minute “peak of the peak” period, allowing a minimum area of 0.5 square metres per person. The vertical circulation elements are designed to clear platforms in less than 2.5 minutes to achieve the design level of service for circulation and queuing. Platforms are clearing well within this time frame (2) Yes. Platforms are continuously monitored by staff to ensure that passengers are well away from the platform edge. If any overcrowding is evident, staff can limit passenger numbers entering the platform areas until it is safe to do so. There is no intention to install physical barriers on the edge of the platforms. (3) Not applicable.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) No. There were some early problems with customer information display boards, and not all escalators were operating during the first week of operations, which resulted in heavier than expected loadings on some sections of the platforms. However, all customer information display boards and escalators are now operating and this, together with the strategic placement of customer service staff at both platform and concourse levels, has meant that no significant overcrowding has occurred during the second week of operations. The platform area, configuration and design of vertical circulation elements are based on an internationally accepted level of service standards. Platform areas are designed to cater for 2007 patronage plus 50 per cent, which equates to dealing with six crush-loaded trains arriving from each direction during the 15-minute “peak of the peak” period, allowing a minimum area of 0.5 square metres per person. The vertical circulation elements are designed to clear platforms in less than 2.5 minutes to achieve the design level of service for circulation and queuing. Platforms are clearing well within this time frame (2) Yes. Platforms are continuously monitored by staff to ensure that passengers are well away from the platform edge. If any overcrowding is evident, staff can limit passenger numbers entering the platform areas until it is safe to do so. There is no intention to install physical barriers on the edge of the platforms. (3) Not applicable.
(1) No. There were some early problems with customer information display boards, and not all escalators were operating during the first week of operations, which resulted in heavier than expected loadings on some sections of the platforms. However, all customer information display boards and escalators are now operating and this, together with the strategic placement of customer service staff at both platform and concourse levels, has meant that no significant overcrowding has occurred during the second week of operations. The platform area, configuration and design of vertical circulation elements are based on an internationally accepted level of service standards. Platform areas are designed to cater for 2007 patronage plus 50 per cent, which equates to dealing with six crush-loaded trains arriving from each direction during the 15-minute “peak of the peak” period, allowing a minimum area of 0.5 square metres per person. The vertical circulation elements are designed to clear platforms in less than 2.5 minutes to achieve the design level of service for circulation and queuing. Platforms are clearing well within this time frame (2) Yes. Platforms are continuously monitored by staff to ensure that passengers are well away from the platform edge. If any overcrowding is evident, staff can limit passenger numbers entering the platform areas until it is safe to do so. There is no intention to install physical barriers on the edge of the platforms. (3) Not applicable.
(2) Yes. Platforms are continuously monitored by staff to ensure that passengers are well away from the platform edge. If any overcrowding is evident, staff can limit passenger numbers entering the platform areas until it is safe to do so. There is no intention to install physical barriers on the edge of the platforms. (3) Not applicable.
(3) Not applicable.
(2) Is the government taking steps, including the installation of physical barriers at the edge of the platform, to ensure that people do not fall onto the line? (3) If not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) No. There were some early problems with customer information display boards, and not all escalators were operating during the first week of operations, which resulted in heavier than expected loadings on some sections of the platforms. However, all customer information display boards and escalators are now operating and this, together with the strategic placement of customer service staff at both platform and concourse levels, has meant that no significant overcrowding has occurred during the second week of operations. The platform area, configuration and design of vertical circulation elements are based on an internationally accepted level of service standards. Platform areas are designed to cater for 2007 patronage plus 50 per cent, which equates to dealing with six crush-loaded trains arriving from each direction during the 15-minute “peak of the peak” period, allowing a minimum area of 0.5 square metres per person. The vertical circulation elements are designed to clear platforms in less than 2.5 minutes to achieve the design level of service for circulation and queuing. Platforms are clearing well within this time frame (2) Yes. Platforms are continuously monitored by staff to ensure that passengers are well away from the platform edge. If any overcrowding is evident, staff can limit passenger numbers entering the platform areas until it is safe to do so. There is no intention to install physical barriers on the edge of the platforms. (3) Not applicable.
(3) If not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) No. There were some early problems with customer information display boards, and not all escalators were operating during the first week of operations, which resulted in heavier than expected loadings on some sections of the platforms. However, all customer information display boards and escalators are now operating and this, together with the strategic placement of customer service staff at both platform and concourse levels, has meant that no significant overcrowding has occurred during the second week of operations. The platform area, configuration and design of vertical circulation elements are based on an internationally accepted level of service standards. Platform areas are designed to cater for 2007 patronage plus 50 per cent, which equates to dealing with six crush-loaded trains arriving from each direction during the 15-minute “peak of the peak” period, allowing a minimum area of 0.5 square metres per person. The vertical circulation elements are designed to clear platforms in less than 2.5 minutes to achieve the design level of service for circulation and queuing. Platforms are clearing well within this time frame (2) Yes. Platforms are continuously monitored by staff to ensure that passengers are well away from the platform edge. If any overcrowding is evident, staff can limit passenger numbers entering the platform areas until it is safe to do so. There is no intention to install physical barriers on the edge of the platforms. (3) Not applicable.
Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) No. There were some early problems with customer information display boards, and not all escalators were operating during the first week of operations, which resulted in heavier than expected loadings on some sections of the platforms. However, all customer information display boards and escalators are now operating and this, together with the strategic placement of customer service staff at both platform and concourse levels, has meant that no significant overcrowding has occurred during the second week of operations. The platform area, configuration and design of vertical circulation elements are based on an internationally accepted level of service standards. Platform areas are designed to cater for 2007 patronage plus 50 per cent, which equates to dealing with six crush-loaded trains arriving from each direction during the 15-minute “peak of the peak” period, allowing a minimum area of 0.5 square metres per person. The vertical circulation elements are designed to clear platforms in less than 2.5 minutes to achieve the design level of service for circulation and queuing. Platforms are clearing well within this time frame (2) Yes. Platforms are continuously monitored by staff to ensure that passengers are well away from the platform edge. If any overcrowding is evident, staff can limit passenger numbers entering the platform areas until it is safe to do so. There is no intention to install physical barriers on the edge of the platforms. (3) Not applicable.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) No. There were some early problems with customer information display boards, and not all escalators were operating during the first week of operations, which resulted in heavier than expected loadings on some sections of the platforms. However, all customer information display boards and escalators are now operating and this, together with the strategic placement of customer service staff at both platform and concourse levels, has meant that no significant overcrowding has occurred during the second week of operations. The platform area, configuration and design of vertical circulation elements are based on an internationally accepted level of service standards. Platform areas are designed to cater for 2007 patronage plus 50 per cent, which equates to dealing with six crush-loaded trains arriving from each direction during the 15-minute “peak of the peak” period, allowing a minimum area of 0.5 square metres per person. The vertical circulation elements are designed to clear platforms in less than 2.5 minutes to achieve the design level of service for circulation and queuing. Platforms are clearing well within this time frame (2) Yes. Platforms are continuously monitored by staff to ensure that passengers are well away from the platform edge. If any overcrowding is evident, staff can limit passenger numbers entering the platform areas until it is safe to do so. There is no intention to install physical barriers on the edge of the platforms. (3) Not applicable.
(1) No. There were some early problems with customer information display boards, and not all escalators were operating during the first week of operations, which resulted in heavier than expected loadings on some sections of the platforms. However, all customer information display boards and escalators are now operating and this, together with the strategic placement of customer service staff at both platform and concourse levels, has meant that no significant overcrowding has occurred during the second week of operations. The platform area, configuration and design of vertical circulation elements are based on an internationally accepted level of service standards. Platform areas are designed to cater for 2007 patronage plus 50 per cent, which equates to dealing with six crush-loaded trains arriving from each direction during the 15-minute “peak of the peak” period, allowing a minimum area of 0.5 square metres per person. The vertical circulation elements are designed to clear platforms in less than 2.5 minutes to achieve the design level of service for circulation and queuing. Platforms are clearing well within this time frame (2) Yes. Platforms are continuously monitored by staff to ensure that passengers are well away from the platform edge. If any overcrowding is evident, staff can limit passenger numbers entering the platform areas until it is safe to do so. There is no intention to install physical barriers on the edge of the platforms. (3) Not applicable.
(2) Yes. Platforms are continuously monitored by staff to ensure that passengers are well away from the platform edge. If any overcrowding is evident, staff can limit passenger numbers entering the platform areas until it is safe to do so. There is no intention to install physical barriers on the edge of the platforms. (3) Not applicable.
(3) Not applicable.
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