Stations for Everyone: UIC Leaflet 140 Accessibility Standards

Introduction to UIC Leaflet 140

A railway journey begins long before the train arrives; it starts at the station entrance. UIC Leaflet 140, titled “Accessibility to stations in Europe,” is the foundational document that defines how railway stations should be designed or refurbished to be accessible to all passengers, particularly Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM).

This leaflet introduced the concept of the “Eurostation”: a station that guarantees a standardized level of autonomy and comfort. Whether a passenger is in a wheelchair, carrying heavy luggage, or pushing a stroller, UIC 140 ensures the infrastructure does not become a barrier to travel.

Snippet Definition: What is UIC 140?

UIC Leaflet 140 is a technical standard issued by the International Union of Railways to harmonize the accessibility of passenger stations across Europe. It specifies architectural requirements for ramps, elevators, platform heights, and visual information systems to ensure that passengers with disabilities can navigate the railway environment safely and independently.

The “Eurostation” Criteria

For a station to be considered a “Eurostation” under UIC 140, it must meet specific physical and operational criteria designed to eliminate obstacles.

1. Vertical Circulation (Ramps and Lifts)

To bridge the gap between the street level and the platform, UIC 140 mandates strict geometry:

• Ramps: The gradient should ideally not exceed 6% (1 meter rise for every 16 meters length) to allow unassisted wheelchair use. Landings must be provided at regular intervals for resting.
• Elevators: Must have pass-through doors (entry and exit on opposite sides) where possible, and buttons placed at a height reachable from a sitting position.

2. Platform Interfaces

The most critical danger zone is the gap between the train and the platform. UIC 140 advocates for harmonized platform heights to minimize the vertical step.

• Standard Heights: Historically promotes alignment with 550mm or 760mm above rail level.
• Safety Markings: A tactile safety strip (blistered surface) must run along the platform edge to warn visually impaired passengers of the drop.

Comparison: UIC 140 vs. TSI PRM

UIC 140 laid the groundwork, but European legislation (TSI) has since made many of these recommendations mandatory law.

Sensory and Cognitive Accessibility

UIC 140 goes beyond just physical ramps. It addresses the needs of passengers with sensory impairments:

• Visual: High-contrast signage (e.g., dark text on white background) and variable font sizes readable from specific distances.
• Auditory: Induction loops (T-loops) at ticket counters to transmit sound directly to hearing aids, filtering out background station noise.
• Tactile: Continuous guidance paths (grooved tiles) on the floor to lead blind passengers from the entrance to the information point or platform.