Transport modes have specific operating requirements and with these particular characteristics, each means of transport has to consolidate operation and the access to other mobility means and facilities. This is one of the reasons why surface or underground public transport stations have to be structured in conformity with performance and design standards that provide a fundamental framework for setting a platform between all the activities carried out in a station and the actual means of transport so as to minimize conflicts and maximize efficiency. Elements such as parking areas, furniture, operating equipments, shelters and land planning provide comfort, accessibility and improve the passengers’ life quality.
Intermodal facilities has to benefit from a design which provides a safe and easy transfer for passengers, necessary information and which encourages efficiency in operation thus simplifying intermodal shift and the takeover of passengers, minimizing congestion and supplying the best services possible at reasonable costs.
“To meet citizens’ needs, the challenge consists in delivering simple and user-friendly transport services. We have to overcome the obstacles generated by technical aspects, to supply real-time information, especially in intermodal stations, as their role is important in ensuring the passenger flow. Public transport is an efficient solution serving as sustainable means of transport, consuming little space and less energy. Our purpose is to provide an efficient operating process, which has to be transparent, and this requires a strong industrial process. From the point of view of public transport, the first problem is to understand and to integrate main elements with the citizens’ lifestyle”, declared Patrick Vautier, Marketing Manager, RATP Dev, Paris, France.
A realistic station
For a better integration of the functions of a station, of the design of efficient and sustainable spaces, and for increasing eco-design and harmonised integration, RATP has initiated and developed the “Osmose Station” project, using the help of architects. The project approaches the “station of the future” concept that changes the perspective of functionality, mobility and connection between the means of transport and the city, relying solely on originality. The station will become a centre of integrated services in a transport hub that will adapt to the requirements of passengers with the main goal of answering urban needs, of providing all urban services, from transport to trade, delivery points, offices, medical services, automated public services and cultural events. The space covers a district under development, with a surface of 112 ha, half a hectare inside this area being dedicated to the construction of an urban boulevard. This area will be crossed by the existing line 15 and the future line 21 serving the urban centre of Ile-de-France. The intermodal hub will provide easy connections with other transport modes to permit passengers to continue their journey by bicycle, car or public transport. For making intermodality efficient, the important aspect is that there will be an 18-m distance to line 21 and an 8-m distance to line 15. This structure contributes to optimizing the technical system and to including security, maintenance and exploitation technical options. 10,000 daily passengers are expected to cross the station which will represent a true development hub.
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