--- InTramsDownUnder@..., "Roderick Smith" <rodsmith@...> wrote:
>

> The rule of thumb for standee comfort is 1 m/s/s (acceleration, braking and

> rounding curves), and that is achieved easily by trams and trains, but isn't

> sustained.

> It is possible to achieve 1.6 m/s/s, but standees have to be holding on to

> something, and not trying to touch a card tagger.

>


Standees would normally be expected to have to hold onto something in a public transport vehicle. If they don't need to hold on, there's something wrong with your system performance and you're not doing them a favour as passengers with journey times.

Three years ago in Prague my son liked to play silly buggers and see if he could survive the tram acceleration without holding on. He did barely, because of his youth I guess, but attracted nervous looks from other passengers! Prague trams easily go more than 1m/s/s, probably nearer the 1.6.

Because electric vehicle acceleration is so smooth, standing isn't the issue it is in diesel buses with their gear changes and so higher rates of acceleration and deceleration can be achieved without passenger discomfort. Tagging on and all - if you don't have a free hand you lean against the stanchion while you're tagging.

cheers
Tony P