“A station without platform screen doors is like a bridge without railings” — the words of a participant at a safety training session on train platforms for people with visual disabilities, held at JR East’s Shinagawa Station in Tokyo this past March.
Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) held the first specialized training program, with 6 participants and 6 instructors, teaching white-cane navigation skills, platform-edge awareness, and safely locating train doors.
Japan invented tactile paving (Tenji blocks) over 60 years ago and is installing platform screen doors nationwide, but it will still take years — so the training is essential.
In the UK🇬🇧, 4 in 5 people with visual impairments still struggle with platform gaps.
In Thailand🇹🇭, over the past 10 years rail systems have steadily improved; many have adopted platform screen doors, and SRTET (operator of the Red Line) has trained its staff intensively to better serve all passenger groups.
If you encounter a dangerous spot while traveling, report it below👇