Design for All: UIC Leaflet 565-3 and Wheelchair Accessibility in Trains

What is UIC Leaflet 565-3?

UIC Leaflet 565-3, titled “Indications for the layout of coaches suitable for conveying disabled passengers in their wheelchairs,” is a humanitarian and technical standard issued by the International Union of Railways (UIC). It addresses one of the most critical aspects of modern public transport: accessibility.

Historically, trains were designed with narrow corridors, steep steps, and small toilets, making travel nearly impossible for passengers with mobility impairments. UIC 565-3 was one of the first comprehensive documents to codify the “Design for All” philosophy, ensuring that rolling stock used in international traffic provides dignified and safe spaces for passengers using wheelchairs.

Key Technical Specifications

The leaflet acts as a design guide for rolling stock engineers, focusing on the “spatial envelope” required for a standard ISO wheelchair to maneuver inside a train.

1. The Wheelchair Space

The core requirement is the dedicated area for the wheelchair user. UIC 565-3 specifies:

• Dimensions: A minimum floor area (typically 750mm x 1200mm or larger) to park the wheelchair without blocking the corridor.
• Stability: The design must prevent the wheelchair from tipping or sliding during acceleration and braking. This is often achieved through a padded backrest structure or specific orientation (rear-facing) rather than complex strap-down systems, which can be stigmatizing and slow to use.
• Proximity: The space must be located close to the accessible door and the accessible toilet.

2. The Universal Toilet (CET)

One of the most complex engineering challenges in a train is the Universal Toilet (often called the PRM Toilet). UIC 565-3 outlines the geometric requirements to allow a wheelchair to enter, turn, and transfer to the toilet bowl. It dictates the placement of support rails (grab bars), the height of the washbasin, and the necessity of an SOS alarm button reachable from the floor.

3. Access and Egress

Getting on the train is often harder than being on it. The leaflet provides guidelines for:

• Door Width: A clear usable width (typically >800mm) to allow easy passage.
• Boarding Aids: Specifications for manual ramps or hydraulic lifts to bridge the gap between the platform and the train floor (gap filler).

Comparison: UIC 565-3 vs. TSI-PRM

In the European Union, the voluntary UIC standards are being superseded by mandatory legal frameworks. The table below illustrates the relationship between UIC 565-3 and the TSI-PRM (Technical Specifications for Interoperability – Persons with Reduced Mobility).

Operational Relevance

While new trains in Europe are built to TSI-PRM standards, UIC Leaflet 565-3 remains a vital reference for:

• Non-EU Operators: Railways outside the European Economic Area use it as a benchmark for accessibility.
• Refurbishment: When upgrading older coaches (retrofit) where full TSI compliance is structurally impossible, UIC 565-3 provides a pragmatic target for improvement.