BS EN 16584-1:2025 Railway Applications: Design for PRM Use - General Requirements Contrast

Standard Number: BS EN 16584-1:2025

Pages: 62

Released: October 2, 2025

ISBN: 978 0 539 13342 4

Status: Standard

Overview

The BS EN 16584-1:2025 is a pivotal standard in the realm of railway applications, specifically designed to enhance accessibility for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM). This standard outlines the general requirements for contrast in railway design, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their mobility challenges, can navigate railway systems with ease and confidence.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Guidelines: With 62 pages of detailed instructions, this standard provides a thorough framework for implementing contrast in railway environments, making it an essential resource for designers and engineers.
• Focus on Accessibility: The standard emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive environment for PRM, ensuring that railway systems are accessible to everyone.
• Up-to-Date Information: Released in October 2025, this standard reflects the latest advancements and best practices in railway design for accessibility.

Why Contrast Matters

Contrast is a critical element in design, particularly in environments where safety and accessibility are paramount. In railway applications, effective use of contrast can significantly enhance the visibility of important features such as signage, pathways, and safety markings. This is especially crucial for individuals with visual impairments, as it aids in navigation and reduces the risk of accidents.

Benefits of Implementing BS EN 16584-1:2025

Adopting the guidelines set forth in the BS EN 16584-1:2025 standard offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Safety: By improving the visibility of critical elements, this standard helps to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all passengers.
• Increased Accessibility: The focus on PRM ensures that railway systems are more inclusive, allowing individuals with mobility challenges to travel independently and with dignity.
• Compliance with Regulations: Adhering to this standard ensures compliance with international accessibility regulations, reducing the risk of legal issues and enhancing the reputation of railway operators.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN 16584-1:2025 standard is an invaluable resource for a wide range of professionals involved in the design, construction, and operation of railway systems, including:

• Architects and Designers
• Engineers and Construction Managers
• Railway Operators and Maintenance Personnel
• Accessibility Consultants

Conclusion

Incorporating the BS EN 16584-1:2025 standard into railway design projects is a proactive step towards creating a more inclusive and accessible transportation system. By prioritizing contrast and accessibility, railway operators can enhance the travel experience for all passengers, particularly those with reduced mobility. This standard not only promotes safety and compliance but also demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility and inclusivity.

For those involved in the railway industry, the BS EN 16584-1:2025 standard is an essential tool for ensuring that railway systems are designed with the needs of all passengers in mind. By following its guidelines, professionals can contribute to a more accessible and equitable transportation network.

BS EN 16584-1:2025

This standard BS EN 16584-1:2025 Railway applications. Design for PRM use. General requirements is classified in these ICS categories:

• 45.020 Railway engineering in general
• 11.180.01 Aids for disabled and handicapped persons in general

This European Standard describes the specific ‘Design for PRM use’ requirements applying to both infrastructure and rolling stock and the assessment of those requirements. The following applies to this standard: - The definitions and requirements describe specific aspects of ‘Design for PRM use’ required by persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility as defined in the PRM TSI. - This standard defines elements that are universally valid for obstacle free travelling including lighting, contrast, tactile feedback, transmission of visual and acoustic information. The definitions and requirements of this standard cover the infrastructure and rolling stock applications. - This standard only refers to aspects of accessibility for PRM passengers it does not define non PRM related requirements and definitions. - This standard assumes that the infrastructure or rolling stock is in its defined operating condition. - Where minimum or maximum dimensions are quoted these are absolute NOT nominal requirements. The ‘General requirements’ standard is written in three parts: - This document is Part 1 and contains: - contrast; - Part 2 contains: - spoken information; - written information; - tactile information; - pictograms; - Part 3 contains: - lighting; - low reflective properties; - transparent obstacles; - slip resistance.