Bridging the Gap: EN 16586 & Accessibility in Railway Rolling Stock

What is EN 16586?

EN 16586 is the European Standard formally titled “Railway applications – Design for PRM use – Accessibility of persons with reduced mobility to rolling stock.” It specifically focuses on the physical interface between the station platform and the train entrance, defining the technical requirements for entering and exiting the vehicle.

As part of the broader TSI PRM (Technical Specifications for Interoperability for Persons with Reduced Mobility) framework, EN 16586 ensures that trains are accessible not only to wheelchair users but also to the elderly, parents with strollers, and passengers with heavy luggage. It standardizes the geometry and mechanical performance of steps, boarding aids, and the door threshold to minimize the “gap” that often makes boarding difficult or dangerous.

The Structure of the Standard

To cover the different mechanical solutions used in modern trains, EN 16586 is divided into specific parts:

• Part 1: Steps for Access and Egress: Defines the maximum height and depth of fixed steps, as well as the requirements for retractable sliding steps that extend to close the gap.
• Part 2: Boarding Aids: Covers manual and automatic ramps, wheelchair lifts, and gap fillers. It specifies load capacities (e.g., supporting a heavy electric wheelchair) and safety margins.

Key Technical Requirements

Designing a compliant entrance is an engineering challenge that balances aerodynamics with accessibility.

1. The Platform-Train Interface (PTI)

The standard mandates that the horizontal and vertical gaps between the train floor and the platform must be minimized. If the gap exceeds specific safety limits (often 50mm or 75mm depending on the context), a Bridging Device (sliding step or gap filler) must automatically deploy.

2. Mechanical Strength and Stability

Boarding aids must be robust. EN 16586 specifies that a wheelchair ramp must support a concentrated load (typically 300kg or more) without bending excessively. Furthermore, these devices must have slip-resistant surfaces and high-contrast markings (usually yellow bands) to aid visually impaired passengers.

3. Safety Interlocks

A train cannot move while a boarding aid is deployed. The standard requires strict integration with the train’s traction system (TCMS). If a sliding step hits an obstacle (like a passenger’s leg) while extending, it must detect the obstruction and stop or retract immediately to prevent injury.

Comparison: Legacy Trains vs. EN 16586 Compliant Trains

The adoption of EN 16586 has transformed the passenger experience, moving away from the steep climbs associated with older carriages.