Principles of Accessibility, Safety, and Comfort in the Design of Moscow’s Tram Hubs

Abstract

This article focuses on the development of design principles for Moscow’s tram hubs, aimed at creating a safe, accessible, and comfortable environment for passengers. The relevance of the study is driven by the central role that stop facilities play in shaping passengers’ perception of transport service quality, and by the need to modernise these facilities in line with the strategic objectives of urban mobility development. The study draws on a combination of methods, including regulatory and comparative analysis of domestic and foreign standards (Germany and the Czech Republic) and on-site infrastructure surveys, to identify a number of systemic issues: a fragmented regulatory framework, insufficient safety levels, and inadequate provision of modern passenger services. Survey data show that only 34% of hubs are adapted for people with reduced mobility, while electronic passenger information displays are present at no more than 13% of hubs. The study produces a set of principles and specific engineering recommendations. Key proposals include the mandatory installation of raised boarding platforms and solid protective barriers, the introduction of tactile navigation, the duplication of crossings, zoned standardized lighting, and the integration of digital services (Wi-Fi and USB charging ports). The article concludes that a unified design standard is needed, combining clear technical requirements with a flexible, outcome-oriented approach, which would enable stops to be transformed into multifunctional public hubs and increase the overall attractiveness of tram transport.