Platform-Train Gap Standards:
Why They Matter and What Regulations Say
When it comes to railway safety and accessibility, one critical design detail often overlooked is the gap between the train and the platform. Known as the Platform-Train Interface (PTI), this space—if not carefully managed—can pose serious risks to passengers, particularly those with reduced mobility, children, and the elderly.
In this article, we explore the international standards and regulations regarding acceptable gap dimensions, and how countries around the world are addressing this issue.
Why Is Platform Gap Regulation Important?
Passenger Safety: Prevents passengers from tripping, falling, or getting their feet caught between the train and platform.
Accessibility: Ensures smooth access for wheelchair users, strollers, and people with mobility aids.
Operational Efficiency: Minimizes boarding time and improves punctuality.
Legal Compliance: Meets national or international safety and accessibility regulations.
International Gap Standards: At a Glance
🇪🇺 European Union – TSI PRM
The EU’s Technical Specifications for Interoperability – Persons with Reduced Mobility (TSI PRM) defines gap dimensions for interoperability across rail networks.
Maximum horizontal gap: 75 mm (typically, up to 200 mm in some rolling stock/platform combinations)
Maximum vertical gap: 50 mm
🇺🇸 United States – ADA Standards
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
Horizontal gap: Not more than 76 mm (3 inches)
Vertical gap: Not more than 16 mm (5/8 inch)
If exceeded, gap filler devices or bridge plates are required.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom – RSSB Guidelines
The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) in the UK does not enforce a fixed limit, but the general practice is to keep the gap within:
Up to 85 mm horizontally and vertically, depending on train-platform compatibility.
🇹🇭 Thailand – No Central Standard Yet
Thailand currently does not have a unified national platform-train gap standard. However, different transit systems follow engineering guidelines to align closely with international benchmarks:
BTS and MRT platforms are generally designed to keep gaps minimal—typically below 75–90 mm.
New rail projects (e.g., SRT Red Line) feature elevated platforms (~1100 mm height) to reduce vertical gaps and enhance accessibility.
The Role of Platform Gap Fillers
To comply with these regulations and improve safety, many stations and rolling stock systems incorporate platform gap fillers—either fixed or retractable. These solutions can bridge the gap to make boarding safer and smoother for all passengers.
If you’re an infrastructure planner, train manufacturer, or urban transit operator, addressing platform-train gaps is not just a safety measure—it’s a commitment to universal design and operational excellence.
SKP Offers Tailored Platform Gap Filler Solutions
At S.K. Polymer (SKP), we understand that no two stations or train systems are the same. That’s why we offer a wide range of platform gap filler sizes and configurations to suit various infrastructure needs.
📐 Our Custom Capabilities Include:
Various lengths and widths to support both standard and wide gap conditions
Different materials (high-resilience rubber, composites) based on durability and environmental requirements
Designs for straight, curved, or sloped platforms
Mounting systems for both fixed and flexible installations
Whether you’re working on a new transit system or retrofitting an existing station, SKP can deliver platform gap fillers that meet international safety standards (TSI, ADA, RSSB) and exceed performance expectations.
