BS EN 16584-3:2025 Railway Applications: Design for PRM Use

Introducing the BS EN 16584-3:2025, a pivotal standard in the realm of railway applications, specifically designed to enhance accessibility and usability for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM). This standard is a cornerstone for ensuring that railway systems are inclusive, safe, and efficient for all users, regardless of their mobility challenges.

Overview

The BS EN 16584-3:2025 standard is a comprehensive document that outlines the general requirements for optical and friction characteristics in railway applications. Released on October 2, 2025, this standard is essential for manufacturers, designers, and engineers who are committed to creating accessible railway environments.

Key Features

• Standard Number: BS EN 16584-3:2025
• Pages: 22
• ISBN: 978 0 539 13344 8
• Status: Standard

Why This Standard Matters

Accessibility in public transportation is not just a legal requirement but a moral imperative. The BS EN 16584-3:2025 standard plays a crucial role in ensuring that railway systems are designed with the needs of PRM in mind. By adhering to this standard, railway operators and manufacturers can significantly improve the travel experience for individuals with mobility impairments, thereby promoting inclusivity and equality.

Optical and Friction Characteristics

The standard provides detailed guidelines on the optical and friction characteristics that are essential for the safe and comfortable use of railway facilities by PRM. These characteristics are critical in preventing accidents and ensuring that all passengers can navigate railway environments with confidence.

Optical Characteristics

Optical characteristics refer to the visual aspects of railway design that aid in navigation and safety. This includes the use of color contrasts, lighting, and signage that are easily perceivable by individuals with visual impairments. The standard ensures that these elements are designed to be clear and effective, reducing the risk of confusion and enhancing the overall travel experience.

Friction Characteristics

Friction characteristics are vital for ensuring the safety of passengers, particularly those using mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walking sticks. The standard specifies the required friction levels for various surfaces within railway environments to prevent slips and falls, thereby safeguarding the well-being of all passengers.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN 16584-3:2025 standard is indispensable for a wide range of professionals in the railway industry, including:

• Railway Engineers and Designers
• Accessibility Consultants
• Transport Authorities
• Manufacturers of Railway Equipment
• Policy Makers and Regulators

Benefits of Compliance

Compliance with the BS EN 16584-3:2025 standard offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Safety: By adhering to the specified optical and friction characteristics, railway systems can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
• Improved Accessibility: The standard ensures that railway environments are accessible to all, promoting independence and ease of travel for PRM.
• Regulatory Compliance: Meeting the requirements of this standard helps organizations comply with national and international accessibility regulations.
• Positive Public Image: Organizations that prioritize accessibility demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility, enhancing their reputation and public trust.

Conclusion

The BS EN 16584-3:2025 standard is a vital tool for creating inclusive and accessible railway systems. By focusing on the optical and friction characteristics necessary for PRM use, this standard ensures that all passengers can travel safely and comfortably. Whether you are a designer, engineer, or policymaker, integrating this standard into your work is a step towards a more inclusive future in public transportation.

BS EN 16584-3:2025

This standard BS EN 16584-3:2025 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 document 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 document: — 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 document 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 document cover the infrastructure and rolling stock applications. — This document only refers to aspects of accessibility for PRM passengers; it does not define non-PRM related requirements and definitions. — This document 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: — Part 1 contains — Contrast — Part 2 contains — Spoken information — Written information — Tactile information — Pictograms — Audible signals — This document is Part 3 and contains — Lighting — Low reflective properties — Transparent obstacles — Slip resistance.