Unveiling the interaction between subway car design and commuter standing position choices: Considering the impact of multidimensional factors

What the paper says

In densely populated cities, standing while commuting by subway is the most common mode of travel. Passengers’ choice of standing position determines the density distribution within subway cars, but the driving factors influencing their standing position and facility preferences remain unclear. This study designed a revealed preference survey targeting subway users in Chengdu, which included three dimensions of commuters’ sociodemographic attributes, travel characteristics, and in-car environmental factors. By analyzing travel data from 2375 valid responses and conducting statistical tests, it was identified that gender, travel duration, passenger density, car type, and the configuration of standing support facilities are significant factors influencing passengers’ in-car position choices. Then, these factors were used to estimate a multinomial probit model for standing position choice. The results indicate that, in terms of position choice, men tend to prefer standing at the ends of the subway car, while women prefer standing in the middle area near the seats. Short-distance travelers are more likely to stand near the doors, while long-distance travelers tend to prefer the middle areas. The difference in position preferences becomes less pronounced as the travel time increases. As passenger density increases, the probability of passengers choosing the car ends decreases, while the probability of choosing the middle areas increases. However, under crowded conditions, the door areas remains the most occupied. In terms of facility choice, the group that does not use standing aids is primarily composed of young people and high-income individuals, while elderly people and low-income individuals have a higher proportion of using lower-mounted facilities. The study also found that while the arrangement of facilities significantly affects passengers’ standing position, it is not a decisive factor. Passengers’ choices still depend on the combined effect of multiple factors. This study enhances the understanding of standing passenger behavior within the subway car microenvironment and reveals its close relationship with interior design, providing insights for optimizing spatial organization and facility distribution in subway cars. • Utilized revealed preference data to analyze subway passengers’ standing behavior. • Identified key factors influencing standing position choices in subway cars. • Developed a multinomial probability model for standing position selection. • Emphasized the interaction between facility preferences and standing area choices. • Proposed strategies to optimize facility design and alleviate localized crowding.