Is Passenger Traffic Management at Holborn a Model for all Stations?

If you live in London or are a regular visitor to our nation’s capital you will most probably be aware that Transport for London (TFL) has been experimenting with different passenger traffic management systems and in particular, options for dissipating the large numbers of passengers waiting to board the escalators.  On November 25th last year TFL started a three week test at Holborn Underground station to ascertain whether it was more efficient to have passengers stand on both the left and right of escalators rather than passengers standing on the right and the left side remaining reserved for walkers. The results of the test were conclusive; traffic flow was increased by 30%. It is more efficient to have passengers stand on both the left and right side of escalators and to abandon the walk up ‘lane’ largely because it is under utilised.

The result of this test threw Londoners into a bit of a tailspin especially when it was communicated via Social Media. Did this mean that all underground stations would have to follow suit? Did this mean that walking up would be banned? It may seem strange to outsiders but this issue has probably led to more heated debate than the London Mayoral race.  Transport for London has decided to run another test, this time for 6 months. The second test starts in April and TFL will wait until it is concluded before deciding on any permanent changes to passengers’ journeys through London underground stations.

We have discussed the issue internally and our team expressed the following thoughts:

“I personally think that it is a good idea but achieving acceptance from the rushing commuters …could be the biggest challenge.  A scenario not dissimilar to when a lift system is converted from a conventional up/down landing call button arrangement to a hall call destination system; users take some convincing initially of the broader objective of their vertical journey.”

Gary Avis

“I believe that it is a good idea and where implemented in other cities has been proved to save the average person 's transit time.

However rather sadly we live in a culture where people are increasingly selfish and will undoubtedly mean individuals will be frustrated at the additional few seconds added to their time, despite the benefit of all passengers.

I also think that it will be a source of confusion for occasional commuters and tourists with different etiquette at different times and stations. If you are going to do it, do it everywhere.”

Tim Piggott

“In general the majority of people will not walk up particularly if it is a long escalator. If people stand on both sides the queue will dissipate quicker.”

Hamish McGlashan

What do you think? Is changing our use of escalators at Holborn station a master stroke or will it lead to more confusion? Let us know what you think in the comments section below or via Twitter and LinkedIn.

Dunbar and Boardman is the lift, escalator and access equipment consultancy. Are you currently planning a project that will involve vertical transportation?  We would be happy to discuss with you. Give us a call on T +44 (0) 20 7739 5093 or send us an email via garyavis@dunbarboardman.com to start the conversation. We look forward to hearing from you.

Image credit: http://bit.ly/1UJatO4

Who Built the First Solar-Powered Elevator?

If you are a regular reader of this blog you’ll know that we like to highlight the people and companies responsible for industry firsts. This week is no exception, we return to the theme of solar-powered forms of vertical transportation. Given the desire of society in general and the vertical transportation industry in particular to increase our use of solar power as an energy efficient solution it is perhaps surprising that the first solar-powered elevator was installed as recently as 2013. 

Who built the First Solar-Powered Elevator?

It was Schindler who built the first solar-powered elevator during 2013. The solar-powered elevator was installed in a building in Barcelona and is an adapted version of Schindler’s 3300 model elevator. It can operate solely on solar power or powered by the grid or a combination of both.  Schindler have been pioneers in the creation and then installation of solar-powered elevators in Europe and they also installed the first in America too. The first solar-powered elevator installed in the United States was installed at the Akridge commercial real estate firm in Washington DC in 2015.  Schindler are at the forefront of solar technology. They are also a partner in the Solar Impulse Project, which is a project developing a solar powered aeroplane to fly around the world.

How does it Work? 

Solar panels are installed on the roof of the building to produce the power for the elevator. The size and exact specification of the solar panels was determined only after the anticipated passenger traffic and energy usage has been estimated. The solar panels capture energy that can be used immediately or stored in batteries or resold to the national grid. Solar-powered elevators are able to work off stored power in the event of a power outage.

What are the Benefits of Solar-Powered Elevators?

A solar-powered elevator reduces energy costs and avoids peaks in power usage that usually occur at the start and end of the working day in commercial buildings. In addition, solar-powered elevators can continue to function using stored energy in the event of a blackout. 

Dunbar and Boardman is the lift, escalator and access equipment consultancy. Are you currently planning a project that will involve vertical transportation?  We would be happy to discuss with you. Give us a call on T +44 (0) 20 7739 5093 or send us an email via garyavis@dunbarboardman.com to start the conversation. We look forward to hearing from you.
 

Image credit: Schindler.com

Who built the First Magic Carpet ® Ski Lift?

 

In our last post we told the story of the first ever solar-powered ski lift. If you missed that you can read it here.

This week we are staying with the skiing theme because we have turned our attention to a ski resort conveyor belt vertical transportation systems known as a Magic Carpet. Magic Carpets are surface lifts, which are a form of cable transportation used by skiers and snowboarders. Riders of surface lifts remain on the ground and are pulled uphill.  One of the earliest known surface lifts was invented in Truckee, California in 1910 and was initially called a Toboggan Tow. Toboggan Tows became known as Ski Tows and contributed massively to the increasing popularity of skiing throughout North America and Europe. Ski slopes were now accessible to more people. Rope Tows, T-Bars, J Bars and Platter Lifts followed Ski Tows; all of these are different variations of surface lifts.

What are Magic Carpets?

The first ever Magic Carpet lift was launched in 1990 in Denver, Colorado by a company called Rocky Mountain Conveyor & Equipment (RMCE). Founded by Dave Kelly the company has since changed its name to Magic Carpet Lifts. Similar to its predecessors mentioned above the Magic Carpet is a surface lift. Compared to ski tow devices Magic Carpet lifts are considered more user friendly and therefore ideal for novice skiers and children. It is because of this they are often deployed in beginner and novice areas.

How do they Work? 

Magic Carpets are conveyor belts at the level of the snow. Some constructions include tunnels. Passengers position their skis or snowboard facing forward, and then the moving belt pulls the passengers uphill. At the top the Magic Carpet pushes the passengers onto the snow and they slide away.  Magic Carpets move at a slow speed and can only be uses over a limited distance.  Gondola lifts or chairlifts are now more commonly installed in more advanced ski areas.

What are the benefits of Magic Carpets?

* Easy to use for all types of riders (skiers, snowboarders)
* Straightforward installation, the galvanized steel frame is durable and requires very little maintenance
* Modular construction means that height and length can be modified to fit the installation.

Since its first installation in 1990 Magic Carpets Lifts have installed well over 300 Magic carpets in eight countries around the world. They have expanded beyond the winter sports market and have also completed installations at water parks and theme parks.

Dunbar and Boardman is the lift, escalator and access equipment  consultancy. Are you currently planning a project that will involve vertical transportation?  We would be happy to discuss with you. Give us a call on T +44 (0) 20 7739 5093 or send us an email via  garyavis@dunbarboardman.com to start the conversation. We look forward to hearing from you.

Image credit: bit.ly/1QLi4Vs