Railway platform height#United States

File:Koeln Niederflurbahnsteig.jpg, 2005]]

Buses, trams, trolleys, and railway passenger cars are divided into several typical categories.

• Ultra Low Floor tram – {{convert|180|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}
• Low floor tram – {{convert|300|to|350|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}
• High floor tram – more than {{convert|600|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}
• Low floor train – {{convert|550|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}
• Train (in UK or narrow gauge) – {{convert|800|to|1200|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
• Train (standard gauge (except UK) or broad gauge) – {{convert|51|to|54|in|mm|-1|abbr=on|disp=flip}}

These are floor heights. The platforms can be much lower, overcome by onboard staircases.

Typical Algerian platforms are {{convert|550|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} above rail.

The {{railgauge|sg}} SGR platforms are two standard heights of {{convert|300|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} and {{convert|1250|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} above rail heads.

The {{railgauge|1000mm}} meter gauge platforms are {{convert|1100|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}.

{{More citations needed|date=March 2021}}

File:Platform 3 of Haining Railway Station.JPG's platform includes both low and high platforms]]

China Railway platforms are classified into the categories of "low" {{convert|380|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}, "medium" {{convert|550|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}, "high" {{convert|760|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} and "ultra high" {{convert|1250|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (the latter two for most new and rebuilt platforms). Areas adjacent to broad gauge countries/regions, such as Xinjiang and Inner-Mongolia, are still equipped with low platforms. Under the concession period since late 2016, platforms on the southeastern corridor from Shenzhen to Ruili to be {{convert|1250|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} ATR, whereas the northern-, central-, and western-Chinese platforms to be {{convert|380|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} ATR, are recommended.

Most CRH platforms are {{Convert|1,250|mm|in|1|abbr=}} above top of rail, with the remainders being {{Convert|760|mm|in|1|abbr=}}.

The proposed 5 ft and 1520 mm gauge railways (Russian gauge) Rail North China{{#tag:ref|The proposed {{railgauge|1524mm}} Russian gauge railways for northern China which will seamless link with Russia, Mongolia and Kazakhstan.|group="note"}} platforms will be {{convert|200|mm|1|abbr=on}} above rails.

Hong Kong's railway network consists of the local MTR network (including the former KCR), Hong Kong Tramways, and the Hong Kong section of the XRL high-speed line.

Platforms on the MTR are {{convert|1250|mm|in|3|abbr=on}} above the rail for the Tung Chung line and Airport Express, collectively known as the Airport Railway lines.Redevelopment of Kowloon Station, 1995, HKU Scholars Hub

The height of platforms on the Disneyland Resort line and the urban lines are {{convert|1100|mm|in|3|abbr=on}}. The urban lines include the Tsuen Wan line, Kwun Tong line, Tseung Kwan O line, Island line, and South Island line.

All platforms on the East Rail line and Tuen Ma line are {{Cvt|1066.8|mm|in|0|abbr=on}} above rail heads.Under the Wires to Lo Wu, The Railway Magazine, November 1983

The light rail system uses a platform height of {{Cvt|910|mm|in|abbr=on}} above rail level.{{cite journal|url=https://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1992/1361/1361-008.pdf|title=LRT in Hong Kong's New Suburbs

|journal=Transportation Research Record|last=Yu|first=Jonathan|year=1995|volume=1361|issue=8|pages=58}}

Trains at Hong Kong West Kowloon railway station travel along the XRL on China's high-speed rail system and so must be compliant with the platform height standard of {{convert|1250|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} above the rail.

The two standard platform heights are {{convert|200|mm|1|abbr=on}} and {{convert|760|mm|1|abbr=on}}.

The three standard platform heights are {{convert|180|mm|1|abbr=on}} (low), {{convert|430|mm|1|abbr=on}} (medium), and {{convert|1000|mm|1|abbr=on}} (high) above rail head.{{cite web |title=Peraturan Menteri Perhubungan Nomor PM. 29 Tahun 2011 tentang Persyaratan Teknis Bangunan Stasiun Kereta Api |trans-title=Regulation of the Minister of Transportation Number PM. 29 of 2011 concerning Technical Requirements for Railway Station Buildings |url=https://djka.dephub.go.id/uploads/201908/pm._no._29_tahun_2011.pdf |publisher=Ministry of Transportation |access-date=11 January 2021 |language=id}} Most railway stations in Indonesia use low platforms.{{cite journal |last1=Syamsudin |first1=M. |title=Aspek Yuridis Pembangunan Peron Tinggi di Stasiun Kereta Api sebagai Sarana Perlindungan Hukum Konsumen |trans-title=Juridical Aspects of Construction of High Platforms at Railway Stations as a Means of Protection of Consumer Laws |journal=Prosiding SNaPP: Sosial, Ekonomi dan Humaniora |date=5 August 2011 |volume=2 |issue=1 |pages=345–352 |url=http://proceeding.unisba.ac.id/index.php/sosial/article/view/294 |access-date=11 January 2021 |language=id |issn=2303-2472}}

Iran's platforms are {{convert|380|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}, {{convert|550|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} and {{convert|760|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}. Like in China, areas adjacent to broad gauge countries/regions such as the eastern regions such as around Mashhad and Zahedan, still equipped low platforms.

Israel Railways platforms fall in the range between {{convert|760|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} to {{convert|1060|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} above top of rail.{{cite web |url=https://www.rail.co.il/tenders/Documents/TendersDcouments/2016/51403/Volume%20B-%20Technical%20Specifications-%20final%20clean%20-%20July%202016.pdf |title=TENDER No. 51403 for the Supply and Maintenance of Electric Multiple Units: Technical Specifications|website=www.rail.co.il |access-date=2020-11-19}}

The Japanese National Railways (JNR) for many years used a triple-standard for its conventional (Cape gauge) lines:

• {{convert|760|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} for long-distance trains (originally step-fitted passenger cars pulled by steam engines);
• {{convert|1100|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} for commuter trains (step-less electric multiple units at a time when long-distance trains were not); and
• {{convert|920|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} shared platforms that could serve both with relatively little discomfort (roughly level with the step on passenger carriages but not too low to board commuter trains).

However, increasing electrification and the phasing-out of locomotive traction in favor of multiple units has made the distinction a matter of historical, rather than practical relevance. Recently, at Japan Railways Group stations in urban centers such as Tokyo and Osaka, whose lines were the earliest to be electrified, {{convert|1100|mm|1|abbr=on}} is the norm and lower-level platforms are generally raised to this height during station improvements or refurbishment. Elsewhere, such as Hokkaido and the Tohoku/Hokuriku region of Honshu, {{convert|920|mm|1|abbr=on}} – and even {{convert|760|mm|1|abbr=on}} platforms are still commonplace. As this represents a potential obstacle when boarding modern commuter trains, workarounds such as a step built into the floor of area-specific trainsets are often employed. Nevertheless, with accessibility becoming a greater concern as Japan's population ages, raising the level of the platform itself (in tandem with other improvements such as elevators and escalators) is seen as the most practical solution.

In at least one case, with the E721 series EMU used on JR East lines in the Tohoku region, the floor of the train itself is lowered to be nearly level to existing {{convert|920|mm|1|abbr=on}} platforms. This makes level boarding feasible at many stations (and boarding less of a hassle at stations with the lowest {{convert|760|mm|1|abbr=on}} platforms). However, this (along with a different standard of electrification) also makes through service southward to Tokyo impossible, and prevents them from running on certain through lines, such as the Senseki-Tohoku Line, since the Senseki Line portion uses the higher {{convert|1100|mm|1|abbr=on}} platforms (and DC electrification).

In contrast to the above standards, the standard gauge Shinkansen (Bullet Train) has, since its original inception, used only {{convert|1250|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} platforms. However, exceptions from this include the "Mini-shinkansen" Yamagata Shinkansen and Akita Shinkansen lines, which use {{convert|1100|mm|1|abbr=on}} platforms to maintain compatibility with conventional JR trainsets.

Most standard gauge non-JR commuter railways, such as Kintetsu Nara Line and Keisei Line, use {{convert|1250|mm|1|abbr=on}} platforms.

North Korea's platforms are standardized at {{convert|1250|mm|1|abbr=on}} only. In there, {{convert|1250|mm|1|abbr=on}} is the norm, lower-level platforms are already raised to this height.

Korail adopted {{convert|550|mm|1|abbr=on}} high platforms to operate KTX. Typically, older platforms are lower than 500 mm. For metro trains, higher platforms which height after {{convert|1135|mm|1|abbr=on}}{{cite web |url=http://www.law.go.kr/행정규칙/철도의건설기준에관한규정/(2018-175,20180321)/제22조 |title= Info |website= www.law.go.kr|access-date=2019-09-08}} are used. Nuriro trains are using mechanical steps to allow both type of platforms. Korail has a long-term plan to change platform standards to higher platforms; both KTX-Eum and EMU-320 are designed to use higher platforms.

File:Santa_Mesa_PNR_2020-02-22.jpg]]

There are various platform heights for railway lines in the Philippines. For heavy rail and commuter rail systems such as the LRT Line 2 and the PNR Metro Commuter Line, most stations are generally set at {{convert|1100|mm|1|abbr=on}}. For the LRT Line 1 and MRT Line 3 which use light rail vehicles, the platform heights are at {{convert|620|mm|1|abbr=on}}{{cite report |author=Department of Transportation and Communications |author2=Light Rail Transit Authority |author-link=Department of Transportation (Philippines) |author-link2=Light Rail Transit Authority |url=https://ppp.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/LRT1_CavExt_PIM_04Jun2012.pdf |title=MANILA LRT1 EXTENSION, OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PROJECT |date=June 4, 2012 |access-date=April 9, 2018}} and {{convert|920|mm|1|abbr=on}}, respectively.{{Cite web|title=菲律宾马尼拉3号线车辆|url=http://www.crrcgc.cc/dl/g8425/s16347/t281974.aspx|language=zh|website=CRRC Dalian}}{{cite web |title=Electric traction system High-floor LRV Manila MRT3 Metro Rail Transit Corporation |url=https://www.voith.com/uk-en/DS_Manila-MRT3_18_vvk_DS2399_en.pdf |website=Voith.com |publisher=Voith |access-date=May 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714083412/https://www.voith.com/uk-en/DS_Manila-MRT3_18_vvk_DS2399_en.pdf |archive-date=July 14, 2021}} Future train lines such as the Metro Manila Subway and the North–South Commuter Railway will use the same heavy rail standard at {{Convert|1100|mm|1|abbr=on}},B) TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS from {{Cite report |title=BIDDING DOCUMENTS FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF PACKAGE CP03: ROLLING STOCK |date=July 2018 |volume=2}} while the PNR South Long Haul's platform height will be the Chinese standard of {{Convert|1250|mm|1|abbr=on}}.{{Cite report |title=Basic Design Report |work=Project Management Consultancy of the Philippine National Railways South Long Haul Project (North South Railway Project) (Package 1, Banlic to Daraga with San Pablo Depot) |url=https://ps-philgeps.gov.ph/home/index.php/bid-opportunities/foreign-assisted-projects |publisher=China Railway Design Corporation |volume=1 |date=June 30, 2021 |access-date=July 2, 2021}}

Previously, the Philippine National Railways had lower platforms prior to the 2009 reconstruction of its network. Some stations such as {{stn|Santa Mesa}} have its {{Convert|200|mm|1|abbr=on}} curb height platforms still intact as of 2020, while others such as {{stn|Naga}} and {{stn|EDSA||PNR}} have {{convert|760|mm|1|abbr=on}} platforms built during the early 2000s.

Taiwan high-speed rail platforms are {{convert|1250|mm|1|abbr=on}} above rail.

File:Longgang Station (September 14, 2020) - raised platform.jpg

In Taiwan, Taiwan Railways Administration's platforms were {{convert|760|mm|1|abbr=on}} tall and passengers must take two stair steps to enter the train. In 2001, however, the platforms were raised to {{convert|960|mm|1|abbr=on}}, cutting the steps needed to one. Between 2016 and 2020, platforms were again raised to {{convert|1150|mm|1|abbr=on}}, and the unnecessary gap on trains were filled in.{{cite news |title=台鐵車廂無階化 2020年全達標 |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20161222002795-260405?chdtv |access-date=September 14, 2020 |agency=China Times}}

Old railway platforms are usually less than 500 mm (20 in) in height. New platforms along double tracking projects, red line projects, and metro stations are built at {{convert|1100|mm|1|abbr=on}} height. Bang Bamru railway station is built with both high and low platforms.

In Kazakhstan, only Astana Nurly Jol station and Russian Railway's Petropavlovsk station have {{convert|550|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} platforms. Almost everywhere else, the platforms are {{convert|200|mm|1|abbr=on}} above top of rail.

As of late 2015, there are three standard heights of platforms, which include:

• {{convert|200|mm|1|abbr=on}} for long-distance trains (originally locomotive-hauled step-fitted passenger carriages);
• {{convert|1100|mm|1|abbr=on}} for direct-current only commuter trains (step-less direct current commuter electric multiple units at a time when long-distance trains were not); and
• {{convert|550|mm|1|abbr=on}} for shared platforms that could serve both with relatively little discomfort (roughly level with the steps on passenger carriages but not too low to board commuter trains).

In some urban areas, such as Moscow and St Petersburg, served only by local traffic, use {{convert|1100|mm|1|abbr=on}} platforms for direct-current electric multiple units. Elsewhere, {{convert|550|mm|1|abbr=on}} and even {{convert|200|mm|1|abbr=on}} platforms are almost commonplace. In some cases, such as VR Sm4 of Finland, the floor of the train itself lowered to be nearly level to {{convert|550|mm|1|abbr=on}} platforms. This makes level boarding feasible at some stations (and boarding less of a hassle at stations with the lowest {{convert|200|mm|1|abbr=on}} platforms).

The proposed {{railgauge|1676mm}} Indian gauge Indo-Siberian railways{{#tag:ref|The proposed {{railgauge|1676mm}} Indian gauge railways which will seamless link from the Indian subcontinent to the Russian Far East and the Russian Arctic, through Central Asia.|group="note"}} platforms will be {{convert|200|mm|1|abbr=on}} above top of rail.

In Turkey, the standard platform height for commuter railways is {{convert|1050|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} and for mainline & high-speed railways it's {{convert|550|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}.

{{More citations needed|date=March 2021}}

File:Map Europe railway platform height.svg's standard heights for new construction: Green = 550 mm, Blue = 760 mm, Turquoise = both, Dark gray = New builds in other heights than the EU standards]]

The European Union Commission issued a TSI (Technical Specifications for Interoperability) on 30 May 2002 (2002/735/EC) that sets out standard platform heights for passenger steps on high-speed rail. These standard heights are {{convert|550|and|760|mm|1|abbr=on}} 2002/735/EC, sections 7.3.4 and 4.2.5{{#tag:ref|In reference to EU documentation on interoperability of trans-national high-speed rail (see EU Directive 96/48/EC) platform height is measured from the top of the running surface of the rail{{cite web|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32001H0290:EN:NOT|title=Commission Recommendation of 21 March 2001 on the basic parameters of the trans-European high-speed rail system referred to in Article 5(3)(b) of Directive 96/48/EC |publisher=European Union|work=eur-lex.europa.eu|at=section 6.1|quote=Platform height is measured between the track running surface and the platform surface along the perpendicular|date=21 March 2001|access-date=7 March 2013}}|group="note"}}. There are special cases: {{convert|840|mm|1|abbr=on}} for the Netherlands, {{convert|915|mm|1|abbr=on}} for Great Britain, and {{convert|915|mm|1|abbr=on}} for Ireland.

Platforms for Eurotunnel Shuttle are {{convert|1100|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} above rails.

The {{railgauge|sg}} European standard gauge Rail Baltica II platforms will be {{convert|760|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.railbaltica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/RBDG-MAN-025-0107_InfrastructureFacilities.pdf|title=Rail Baltica design guidelines: Infrastructure facilities}} above rails.

Belgium has been using mixed type of platform heights (due to the age of the network, and the different companies running it before 1923). As of 2017 the most common platform heights for small stop places and stations are low platform heights of {{convert|280|mm|1|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dekamer.be/kvvcr/showpage.cfm?section=qrva&language=nl&cfm=qrvaXml.cfm?legislat=54&dossierID=54-b100-940-1845-2016201712866.xml|title=De Belgische Kamer van volksvertegenwoordigers|website=www.dekamer.be}}

There is a plan to comply with the European TSI by raising all low platform heights to one of the European Standard Heights. Most stations will by then be equipped with {{nowrap|550 mm}} platforms, and direct current EMUs dedicated platforms will be upgraded in their final version to {{nowrap|760 mm}}. Some stations, or stopping points, already having {{nowrap|760 mm}} platform heights will keep the platforms at these heights.

In Finland, the current standard platform height is {{convert|550|mm|1|abbr=on}}. Platforms built to the older standard are {{convert|265|mm|inch|abbr=on}} above top of rail.{{Cite book|last=Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency|url=https://julkaisut.vayla.fi/pdf12/vj_2019-46eng_vs2021_web.pdf|title=Railway Network Statement 2021|publisher=Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency|year=2019|isbn=978-952-317-744-4|location=Helsinki|pages=Appendix 3B 13–24|access-date=20 October 2020|archive-date=1 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001183729/https://julkaisut.vayla.fi/pdf12/vj_2019-46eng_vs2021_web.pdf|url-status=dead}}

The sole exception on the national railway network is the Nikkilä halt which has a platform height of 400 mm (15.8 in).

The standard height for all platforms in France is {{convert|550|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}, following the european guidelines. However, this rule is not respected for parts of the RER and Transilien network.

File:Sechsschienengleis.JPG in Kaufungen, Germany. Wider mainline trains go down the centre; narrower trams switch either to the left, or right, to be closer to the relevant platform. Beyond the station, the rails return to single track.]]

Germany's EBO standard specifies an allowable range between {{convert|380|mm|1|abbr=on}} and {{convert|960|mm|1|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bundesrecht/ebo/gesamt.pdf| title = Eisenbahn-Bau- und Betriebsordnung (EBO)| publisher = Bundesministeriums der Justiz / juris GmbH. |at=Section 13: Bahnsteige, Rampen |language=de| quote = 13.1 : Bei Neubauten oder umfassenden Umbauten von Personenbahnsteigen sollen in der Regel die Bahnsteigkanten auf eine Höhe von 0,76 m über Schienenoberkante gelegt werden; Höhen von unter 0,38 m und über 0,96 m sind unzulässig. Bahnsteige, an denen ausschließlich Stadtschnellbahnen halten, sollen auf eine Höhe von 0,96 m über Schienenoberkante gelegt werden. In Gleisbogen ist auf die Überhöhung Rücksicht zu nehmen|access-date=7 March 2013}} This does not include light rail systems that follow the BOStrab standard, with newer metro lines to use low-floor trams which have a usual floor height of {{convert|300|to|350|mm|1|abbr=on}} so that platforms are constructed as low as 300 mm in accordance with BOStrab that requires the platform height not to be higher than the floor height.BOStrab § 31 (1) "Haltestellen sollen Bahnsteige besitzen (...)."; § 31 (8) "Die Bahnsteigoberfläche soll nicht höher liegen als der Fahrzeugfußboden in seiner tiefsten Lage (...)."

The traditional platforms had a very diverse height as the nationwide railway network is a union of earlier railway operators. Prior to followed by the European TSI standard the EBO standard requires that new platform construction be at a regular height of {{convert|760|mm|1|abbr=on}}.{{clarify|date=April 2016}} The TSI standard of {{convert|550|mm|1|abbr=on}} height, historically common in the East, is widely used on regional lines. Only the S-Bahn suburban rail systems had a higher platform height and these are standardized on {{convert|960|mm|1|abbr=on}}.

While older platforms on the Dublin and Kingstown Railway were at lower levels, all platforms are now {{cvt|915|mm}} above rail and all new platforms are being built at that level. Amongst other work, there is an ongoing program of platform renewal. Both of Ireland's railway companies (Irish Rail in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland Railways in Northern Ireland) have had some derogations from EU standards as their mainline rail systems, while connected to each other, are not connected to any other system.

The electric DART fleet has carriage floors at {{convert|1067|mm|abbr=on}} above top of rail creating a step of {{convert|152|mm|abbr=on}}, while the diesel fleet is typically one step ({{convert|150|to|200|mm|1|abbr=on|disp=or}}) higher than the platform.

On Dublin's Luas tram system, platforms are approximately {{convert|280|mm|0|abbr=on}} above rail. Tram floors are at the same height, but have internal steps over the bogies.

The {{convert|760|mm|1|abbr=on}} platforms for the Namur-Luxembourg line. The remainder of the network, the platforms are {{convert|380|mm|1|abbr=on}} above rails.

European Commission decision 2002/735/EC which concerns trans-European interoperability for high-speed rail specifies that rolling stock be built for operational suitability platform height of {{convert|840|mm|1|abbr=on}} . Dutch infrastructure maintainer ProRail has committed to upgrading all stations to {{convert|760|mm|1|abbr=on}} platform height.{{cite web|url=http://www.prorail.nl/English/Documents/20778116%20v2%20-%20Netverklaring%202010%20%27Gemengde%20net%27%20EN.pdf |title=Network Statement 2010 Combined Network based on the Railways Act |publisher=ProRail|orig-date=12 December 2008 |date=22 January 2009 |access-date=7 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021133705/http://prorail.nl/English/Documents/20778116%20v2%20-%20Netverklaring%202010%20%27Gemengde%20net%27%20EN.pdf |archive-date=21 October 2012 }}{{Failed verification|date=January 2011}}{{cite press release|url=http://www.prorail.nl/Pers/Persberichten/Actueel/Landelijk/Pages/ProRailinvesteert450miljoeneurointoegankelijkheid.aspx |date=13 October 2009 |title=ProRail invests 450 million euros in accessibility |publisher=ProRail|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128130214/http://prorail.nl/Pers/Persberichten/Actueel/Landelijk/Pages/ProRailinvesteert450miljoeneurointoegankelijkheid.aspx |archive-date=28 November 2010 }}

Typical platforms in Poland are {{convert|760|mm|1|abbr=on}} high. In some rural or urban/suburban areas (e.g. around Warsaw) platforms used by local traffic are lower or higher ({{convert|550|to|1060|mm|1|abbr=on|disp=or}}). All newly built platforms are {{convert|550 or 760|mm|1|abbr=on}} high.

While older platforms in Spain are lower than the rest of Europe, many platforms are now {{cvt|680|mm|in}} above rail. Following track gauge conversion from Iberian gauge to standard gauge, platforms to be raised to {{convert|1250|mm|1|abbr=on}} for new regional trainsets.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}

Before the introduction of EU standards, Sweden had three unique platform heights: low ({{cvt|350|mm|in|1}}), medium ({{cvt|580|mm|in|1}}), and high ({{cvt|730|mm|in|1}}). Today, all new platforms must comply with EU regulations. The low platform standard was banned for new construction, while the medium and high standards were redefined to {{cvt|550|mm|in|1}} and {{cvt|760|mm|in|1}}, respectively.https://bransch.trafikverket.se/for-dig-i-branschen/Planera-och-utreda/samhallsplanering/Sakerhet-och-konflikter/Sakerhetsavstand-mellan-infrastruktur-ny-bebyggelse-samt-ovriga-anordningar/sakerhetsavstand-vid-byggande-intill-jarnvag/, TRVINFRA-00398 Banutformning page 62 As platforms are refurbished to comply with accessibility requirements or due to changes in track layout, they are adjusted to the newly redefined heights. There is a hard limit to platform height at {{cvt|770|mm|in|1}} due to the fact that the Swedish dynamic loading gauge allows trains to be wider than the platform allows and overhang the platform by as much as {{cvt|200|mm|in}} at a height above {{cvt|780|mm|in|1}}.https://bransch.trafikverket.se/for-dig-i-branschen/Planera-och-utreda/samhallsplanering/Sakerhet-och-konflikter/Sakerhetsavstand-mellan-infrastruktur-ny-bebyggelse-samt-ovriga-anordningar/sakerhetsavstand-vid-byggande-intill-jarnvag/, TRVINFRA-00398 Banutformning page 76

Stockholm Commuter Rail is the only remaining operator that prefers the high platform standard of 760 mm. As a result, only stations exclusively used by these trains are built to this height. Platforms that are shared with other operators, such as Arlanda Central station, are built to medium height of 550 mm (occasionally 580 mm). This causes some problems, as the X60 trainsets used on Stockholm's commuter rail are designed for level boarding at 760 mm. For this reason, all other commuter rail operators in Sweden chose to purchase trains with level boarding at 550 mm, such as the very similar X61 trainsets used by operators like Västtrafik and Pågatåg. These operators, along with others, previously had platforms at 730 mm for X11 trainsets, which have since been lowered to 550 mm.https://www.gp.se/nyheter/sverige/inga-pendeltag-till-lindome-i-sommar.5fb8ba76-51cb-40f1-8865-8b6d77c99420 "Samtidigt minskas perronghöjden med 18 centimeter som en anpassning till de nya tågen" With the exception of a handful of stations used by the Stockholm commuter rail, Sweden has effectively adopted the 550 mm platform height as the national standard.

The Arlanda Express service, which has special status, operates with its own platforms at a height of {{cvt|1150|mm|in|1}}. Since these platforms are separated from the main line, they are permitted to exceed the 770 mm height limit. The Stockholm Metro and Saltsjöbanan light rail, which are separate networks, have {{cvt|1125|mm|in|1}} high platforms,{{Cite web|url=http://www.sll.se/Global/Verksamhet/Kollektivtrafik/Aktuella%20projekt/Nya%20tunnelbanan/Kungstradgarden-soderort/Beslut%20och%20handlingar/PM%20sp%C3%A5r%20150506.pdf|title=Lokaliseringsutredning Sofia-Gullmarsplan/söderort}} all other tramways have very low platforms, often also used by buses which must allow boarding from places without platform.

The standard height for platforms in the United Kingdom is {{cvt|915|mm|in|2}} with a margin of ± {{cvt|25|mm|in}}.{{cite book| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zkDYawSkRpAC&q=platform%20height%20railway&pg=PA264| title=Ellis' British Railway Engineering Encyclopaedia|publisher=Iain Ellis|year=2006| isbn=9781847286437|access-date=7 March 2013}} On the Heathrow Express the platform height is specified at {{convert|1100|mm|1|abbr=on}}.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xof6cDrbuIwC&q=Railway%20Infrastructure%20heathrow%20express%20platform%20height&pg=PA19|title=Railway infrastructure, Issue 3| author=Institution of Mechanical Engineers (Great Britain). Railway Division, Institution of Civil Engineers (Great Britain)|publisher=John Wiley and Sons|year=2001|isbn=9781860583506|at=3.1.2 Specification of the System, p.19}}

High Speed 2 is being built with a platform height of {{cvt|1,115|mm|in}}, which does not conform to the European Union technical standards for interoperability for high-speed rail (EU Directive 96/48/EC).{{cite book |url=http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm78/7827/7827.pdf |title=High Speed Rail – Command Paper |author=Department for Transport |publisher= The Stationery Office |isbn=978-0-10-178272-2 |date = 11 March 2010 |at=section 8.4, p.127}} This is to provide true step free access to trains at the new HS2 stations, which is not possible using European Standards or UK standard heights.{{cite web |author1=David Shirres |title=Buying HS2’s High-Speed Trains |url=https://www.railengineer.co.uk/buying-hs2s-high-speed-trains/ |website=RailEngineer |access-date=20 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020180243/https://www.railengineer.co.uk/buying-hs2s-high-speed-trains/ |archive-date=20 October 2020 |language=en |date=1 March 2019 |url-status=live}} HS2 trains will operate outside of the HS2 line using existing infrastructure, which will not be step free.https://www.railengineer.co.uk/2019/03/01/buying-hs2s-high-speed-trains/ {{Dead link|date=February 2022}} High Speed 1 has a platform height of {{convert|760|mm|1|abbr=on}} on its international platforms.{{cite web|url=http://www.highspeed1.com/resources/documents/HS1%20Network%20Statement.pdf |at=section 3.3.1.2 "Track Gauge & Structure Gauge", page 14 |date=17 August 2009 |title=HS1 Network Statement |work=www.highspeed1.com |access-date=7 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414094508/http://www.highspeed1.com/resources/documents/HS1%20Network%20Statement.pdf |archive-date=14 April 2014 }} The Great Western Main Line, North London Line, Gospel Oak to Barking Line and Great Eastern Main Line platforms will be mixture of {{convert|760|mm|1|abbr=on}} (for intercity trains) and {{convert|1100|mm|1|abbr=on}} (for London commuter trains).{{Citation needed|date=June 2022}}

{{more citations needed |section|date=April 2021}}

In Canada, Via Rail intercity trains have level boarding with platforms {{convert|48|in|mm|0}} above the top of rail at Montreal Central Station, Quebec City Gare du Palais and a single platform at Ottawa station.{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}} The remainder of stations in the Via Rail network have low platforms {{convert|5|in|mm|0}} to {{convert|8|in|mm|0}} above the rail.{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}}

GO Transit regional trains have a floor height of {{convert|610|mm|in|0}} above the top of rail, and GO Transit plans to raise platforms to provide level boarding at that height.{{cite web|title=Level Boarding: Passive Protection|url=http://www.gosite.ca/engineering_public/standard_drawings/PDF/Level%20Boarding%20-%20Part%201_Passive%20Protection.pdf|access-date=10 May 2021|publisher=GO Transit}} Currently, platforms are {{convert|127|mm|in|0}} above the top of rail, with a raised "mini-platform" which provides level boarding from one door of the train{{Quantify|date=August 2023}}.

Exo commuter trains have level boarding with platforms {{convert|48|in|mm|0}}, {{convert|50|in|mm|0}}, or {{convert|51|in|mm|0}} above the top of rail at Montreal Central, Côte-de-Liesse, Repentigny, Terrebonne, and Mascouche stations.{{cite web|title=Plan de développement accessibilité - AMT|date=5 June 2015|url=https://fr.slideshare.net/SarahveDeLisle/plan-de-dveloppement-accessibilitreseauagence-mtropolitaine-de-transport|access-date=11 May 2021|publisher=Agence Métropolitaine du Transport}} The remainder of stations in the Exo network have low platforms {{convert|5|in|mm|0}} or {{convert|8|in|mm|0}} above the top of rail.

All UP Express stations have level boarding with platforms {{convert|48|in|mm|0}} above the top of rail.{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}}

West Coast Express has accessible boarding platforms at all stations. However, unlike the SkyTrain, there is a small height difference and door-level for wheelchair access are provided at all stations.{{Cite web |last=Vancouver |first=City of |title=Accessible public transit |url=https://vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/accessible-public-transit.aspx |access-date=2022-11-24 |website=vancouver.ca |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=West Coast Express |url=https://www.translink.ca/about-us/about-translink/operating-companies/west-coast-express |access-date=2022-11-24 |website=www.translink.ca |language=en-CA}}

All rapid transit and light rail systems, except for the Toronto streetcar system, provide level boarding between trains and platforms. The platform heights vary per line, as per the table below.

On the Toronto streetcar system, most stops are in mixed traffic accessed from the road surface, without raised platforms. Where raised platforms do exist, they are at sidewalk curb height and not at the height of the vehicle floor. As a result, people using wheeled mobility aids need to use the wheelchair ramp even at stops where a raised platform exists.

{{anchor|mini-high}}

File:Gauntlet track at New Jersey Transit Union, NJ Station.jpg's Lehigh Line at Union station in Union, New Jersey]]

New and substantially renovated stations in the United States must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires level boarding. Most inter-city and commuter rail systems use either {{convert|48|in|mm|0|adj=on}} high platforms that allow level boarding, or {{convert|8|in|mm|0|adj=on}} low platforms. Metro and light rail systems feature a variety of different platform heights.

Most commuter rail systems in the northeastern United States have standardized on {{convert|48|in|mm|0|adj=on}} high platforms, and is in general the floor height of single-deck trains. This standard was used by the Pennsylvania Railroad{{cite web |url=https://www.jonroma.net/media/signaling/standards/na/prr/PRR%20Standard%20Signal%20Material%20Plans%201920-52.pdf |title=PRR Standard Signal Material Plans |page=10}} which began installing high platforms on its subsidiary the Long Island Rail Road in 1910 with the introduction of MP54 railcars.{{cite book |last=Cudahy |first=Brian |date=2003 |title=A Century of Subways |page=267 |url=https://research.library.fordham.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=history}} MBTA Commuter Rail, CTrail's Hartford Line and Shore Line East, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, NJ Transit, and SEPTA Regional Rail all use this height for new and renovated stations, though low platforms remain at some older stations.

MARC has high-level platforms at every Penn Line station from Washington to Baltimore except West Baltimore (which will be rebuilt with high platforms in the coming years). Due to required freight train clearances and Amtrak Superliner usage of some stations, most of the Camden Line, Brunswick Line, and segment of the Penn Line north of Baltimore have low platforms. The exceptions are Baltimore-Camden and {{marc|Monocacy}} (stations outside of freight routes), as well as {{marc|Greenbelt}} (station with passing tracks), all of which feature high platforms.

Outside the Northeast U.S., Metra Electric District, South Shore Line, RTD, WES Commuter Rail, and SMART use 48-inch platforms.{{CA rail schematics}}

Amtrak intercity services feature high-level platforms on the Northeast Corridor, Keystone Corridor, Empire Corridor, and New Haven–Springfield Line, although some stations on these lines have not been retrofitted with high platforms. High-level platforms are also present at a small number of stations on other lines, including Worcester, Roanoke, Raleigh, and several Downeaster stations. Brightline service in Florida also uses high level platforms.

At some stations, a desired high-level platform is impractical due to wide freight trains or other practicalities. (Gauntlet tracks, which permit wide freights to pass full-length high-level platforms, have practical issues of their own{{which|date=October 2022}}.) At these locations, mini-high platforms are often used for accessibility. Mini-high platforms have a short length of high platform, long enough for one or two doors, with an accessible ramp to the longer low platform. The platform edge is usually hinged so that it can be flipped out of the way of passing freights.

Most other commuter rail systems in the U.S. and Amtrak stations have {{convert|8|in|mm|0|adj=on}} low-level platforms to accommodate freight trains, with mini-high platforms or portable lifts to reach the {{convert|22|inch|4=0|adj=on}}-high floors of low-level bilevel railcars. Single-deck cars, which generally serve the prevalent high platforms in the Northeast, feature trapdoors that expose stairs so that passengers can access the low platforms.

Double-deck commuter railcars are designed to be compatible with single-deck cars by having a third, intermediate deck above the bogies at both ends, with a matching floor height of {{Convert|48|in|mm|0}}. (Mixed consists of double decks and single decks can sometimes be seen in the FrontRunner system in Utah.) The Bombardier BiLevel Coach is used on many commuter rail networks in North America, with Coaster having {{convert|22|in|mm|0|adj=on}} platforms to match their floor height. Once electrified, the new Caltrain trains will be equipped for both {{convert|22|and|50.5|in|0|adj=on}} platform heights in anticipation of sharing facilities with California High-Speed Rail trains.{{cite web|title=KISS Double-Decker Electric Multiple Unit EMU for Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (CALTRAIN), California, USA|url=https://wwwstadlerrailcom-live-01e96f7.s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/filer_public/21/81/21816a39-9448-4b8a-8f2f-3811c6ee8006/kcal0716us.pdf|access-date=16 October 2016|archive-date=6 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006171237/https://wwwstadlerrailcom-live-01e96f7.s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/filer_public/21/81/21816a39-9448-4b8a-8f2f-3811c6ee8006/kcal0716us.pdf|url-status=dead}} A small number of systems do use low-floor single deck trains, including TEXRail and others that use Stadler FLIRT and GTW rolling stock.

All of Amtrak's bilevel cars, which are all Superliners, are entirely low-floor and have step-free passthroughs on the upper deck, with the exception of "transition" sleeper cars where one end features stairs to maintain compatibility with single-deck cars (including Amtrak's own baggage cars).

Platform heights of metro systems vary by system and even by line. For example, on the MBTA subway system in the Greater Boston area, Blue Line platforms are {{convert|41.5|in|mm|0}} above top of rail (ATR), while Orange Line platforms are at {{convert|45|in|mm|0}}, and Red Line platforms are at {{convert|49|in|mm|0}}.{{cite news|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2015/02/25/one-size-doesn-fit-all-and-costs-more/kJg2qK2A0ZHjSLzG4UFCCM/story.html|title=On the T, One Sized Doesn't Fit All|author=Robin Washington|date=February 25, 2015|work=Boston Globe|access-date=January 21, 2019}} Bay Area Rapid Transit stations have platform heights of {{convert|39|in|mm|0}}.{{cite web |url=https://archive.org/stream/bartsanfrancisc1996oakl_0#page/518/mode/2up |title=BART-San Francisco Airport Extension Final Environmental Impact Report/Final Environmental Impact Statement |volume=II |pages=3–501 |publisher=Federal Transit Administration |date=June 1996 |via=Internet Archive}}

Most light rail systems have platforms around {{convert|12-14|inch}} ATR, allowing level boarding on low-floor light rail vehicles. Most new systems are built to this standard, and some older systems like VTA light rail have been converted. Several systems including MetroLink use higher platforms with level boarding. Several older light rail systems have high-floor vehicles but low platforms, with mini-high platforms or lifts for accessibility. Some, like the MBTA Green Line, are being converted to low-floor rolling stock, while others, like Baltimore Light Rail have permanent mini-high platforms. Muni Metro has {{convert|34|in|mm|0|adj=on}} high platforms in the subway section as well as some surface stops, and mini-high platforms at other surface stops; the vehicles have movable stairs inside to serve both high and low platforms.{{cite web|title=S200 SF Light Rail Vehicle|url=http://preview.thenewsmarket.com/Previews/SIMS/DocumentAssets/346338.pdf|publisher=Siemens|access-date=18 May 2016}}

The majority of railway systems in Australia use high level platforms with a platform height at or slightly below the train floor level. This conforms with Australian Standard AS 7633 Railway infrastructure: Clearances prepared by the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board, which recommends a nominal platform height of 1,080 mm above top of rail. Where level boarding is not possible, AS 7633 recommends that the platform height should be set with a step up into the train.{{cite web |author=Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board |date=2020-07-15 |title=AS 7633 Railway infrastructure: Clearances |url=https://www.rissb.com.au/products/as-7633-railway-infrastructure-clearances |access-date=2025-01-25}}

The standard 1,080 mm platform height is required for all metropolitan and regional stations in Victoria.{{cite book | title = Victorian Rail Industry Operators Group Standards | chapter = 002.1 - Railway Station Design Standard and Guidelines | publisher = State Government of Victoria | at = 18.3.1 | date = 29 March 2011 | accessdate = 24 August 2022 |chapter-url = https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/45360917/vriogs-0021-railway-station-design-standard-and-guidelines |via=YUMPU }} However, railways in Queensland have narrow gauge trains and lower platforms, and railways in South Australia have trains fitted with low level steps to enable the use of low level platforms.{{citation needed|date=April 2012}}

In New South Wales, by 2000, the platform step (the difference between the platform height and the train floor height) had been allowed to grow to a maximum of about {{convert|300|mm|1|abbr=on}}, which was uncomfortably large. For Sydney's 2000 Olympics, new and altered platforms were designed to match the Tangara trains, which are {{convert|3000|mm|ftin|frac=8|abbr=on}} wide, leaving a platform gap of about {{convert|80|mm|frac=8|abbr=on}} and a step height close to zero. This has become the standard for all subsequent platforms and trains in NSW.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}

The tramway network in Melbourne have some low level platforms and low floor vehicles, but most trams have steps and are boarded from the road. The Adelaide Tram line has low platforms at almost all stops and operates almost entirely with low-floor trams which also have retractable ramps for street boarding where required by persons unable to step up.{{citation needed|date=April 2012}} The Gold Coast and Sydney light rail networks have low floor trams and platforms at all stops.

According to KiwiRail specifications, Auckland Metro platforms are 1520 mm (+10 / -0 mm) from centre line and 750 mm (+0 / 20 mm) high while other platforms at major, suburban or terminus stations including Wellington Metro are 1450 mm (+10 / -0 mm) from centre line and 680 mm (+0 / -20 mm) high. Both specifications apply to straight sections with allowances for versine, end throw and cant on curves. Tjokroseputro, Susanto [https://www.kiwirail.co.nz/assets/Uploads/Our-network/Utility-Services/7.-T-ST-DE-5212-Clearances.pdf Track standard clearances], KiwiRail, 31 August 2023, retrieved 28 March 2025

Platforms for long-distance trains are {{convert|200|mm|1|abbr=on}} above rail, and platforms for Buenos Aires commuter trains are {{convert|1100|mm|1|abbr=on}}.

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• Berne gauge
• Gauntlet track
• High-floor
• Loading gauge
• Platform gap
• Street running
• Tram stop

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• {{cite web|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32002D0735:EN:NOT|title=2002/735/EC: Commission Decision of 30 May 2002 concerning the technical specification for interoperability relating to the rolling stock subsystem of the trans-European high-speed rail system referred to in Article 6(1) of Directive 96/48/EC |publisher=European Union|work=eur-lex.europa.eu|date=12 September 2002|at=sections 7.3.4. and 4.2.5|access-date=7 March 2013}}

{{commons|Railway station}}

{{Railway track layouts|state=collapsed}}

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Category:Rail loading gauge

Category:Rail transport articles in need of updating

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