Advancing Accessibility in Transit Design

Blair Wagenblast, senior project manager at HNTB, is a key player in advancing rail station architecture and accessibility. Wagenblast’s impact reaches rural and urban communities alike, including her work improving accessibility in cities across the country. Having served as both a technical expert and stakeholder manager, Wagenblast shares how client priorities and passenger needs can be balanced to deliver seamless solutions for all transit users.

What impact does integrating accessibility have on the needs of clients and communities?

The accessibility of transit systems has a profound impact on the needs of our clients and communities. Ensuring accessibility remains at the forefront of design decisions directly benefits passengers and aligns with transit agencies' operational needs. For example, upgrading station platforms to be ADA-compliant can be transformational for passengers who previously faced significant barriers to rail service. Upgrades can also include strengthening the resilience and long-term functionality of a station.

Early in my career, I observed that facilities designed for able-bodied individuals still require accessible spaces. By considering accessibility comprehensively, it is evident that it encompasses more than just wheelchair access. When a person has knee surgery, a sprained ankle or other temporary disability, they can benefit from the accessibility requirements.

Solutions like integrating snow-melt systems into station platforms in cold-weather regions help reduce maintenance challenges and improve passenger safety and comfort. As a result, they promote longevity in infrastructure while also balancing the critical aspect of cost-effectiveness. These solutions transform stations into gateways of opportunity and greater independence.

What are some of the biggest challenges in making rail stations more accessible, and how can these challenges be addressed?

Retrofitting an existing station for accessibility — from parking lots and sidewalks to platforms and canopies — is challenging, requiring the alteration and reconfiguration of multiple elements. Projects become more complex when balancing real estate concerns, accessibility requirements, historic preservation and passenger safety between multiple entities and stakeholders.

Stepping into the role of the integrator, collaborator and coordinator, I ensure that all parties understand each other’s priorities and work together to find creative solutions to complex challenges that benefit everyone. By adopting a “listen first” approach, I can unite diverse perspectives and ensure that every stakeholder feels heard and valued while maintaining focus on the project’s overall goals. This leads to more comprehensive and effective solutions.

We continue to eliminate barriers by designing safe, sustainable, efficient and convenient transit options, aiming to make rail travel the preferred mode of transportation.

– Blair Wagenblast
Senior Project Manager

How is the passenger experience influencing rail station design?

Designing rail stations with the goal of enhancing the passenger experience involves understanding how people move and interact with transit systems.  As a regular transit user, I have a deep understanding of how people move around the city and how they get to platforms from a parking spot or bus stop. I also know what it’s like to board a train with small children and I have firsthand experience with the challenges and opportunities that passengers face. This perspective informs my decisions, allowing me to advocate for solutions that serve the needs of both transit agencies and passengers.

Signage is one of the most crucial elements in rail stations. It can be difficult to hear announcements at times and in some cases, we want to check and make sure we are still in the right place. Station identification signage at regular intervals, with font large enough to read from the train, assists passengers in knowing where they are and where to go in their travels.

How do you envision the future of transit accessibility, and what emerging technologies are helping you design more inclusive transit environments?

We continue to eliminate barriers by designing safe, sustainable, efficient and convenient transit options, aiming to make rail travel the preferred mode of transportation. We spend a lot of time with our designs coordinating the grading and elevations of stations. For this reason, leveraging advanced survey and LiDAR data has been especially helpful in ensuring that designs will result in compliant and accessible construction. By incorporating advanced technologies and innovative design solutions, we pave the way toward a future where rail travel is practical, inviting and equitable for all passengers.

SEE MORE ARTICLES