Generic functions of railway stations: A conceptual basis for the development of common system understanding and assessment criteria

Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

Authors

  • Stefan Zemp
  • Michael Stauffacher
  • Daniel Lang
  • Roland W. Scholz
The redevelopment of railway stations calls for the integration of many different objectives. Two crucial challenges thereby are the development of a common system understanding among the multiple stakeholders with potentially conflicting interests and the structured definition of comprehensive
assessment criteria. Defining the functions of the system railway station, i.e. discussing what the system should do, can support solving these challenges. Based on a review of Swiss railway stations in a transdisciplinary research project applying four focus groups (n¼38), 28 expert interviews and two
expert workshops, we present a structured framework of five generic functions of railway stations and their interdependencies. The five generic functions are: linking catchment area and transport network, supporting transfer between modes of transport, facilitating commercial use of real estate, providing
public space, and contributing to the identity of the surrounding area. Potential conflicts between functions are identified. They concern the competition of multiple functions for space, for customer attention or for revenues as well as increasing system complexities with station size. We illustrate how the framework of functions can be used to foster a common system understanding and to develop assessment criteria. Although elaborated from a Swiss perspective the framework is perceived adaptable to railway stations of other countries.
Original languageEnglish
JournalTransport Policy
Volume18
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)446-455
Number of pages10
ISSN0967-070X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 03.2011

    Research areas

  • Environmental planning - Assessment, Common system understanding, Functions, Railway station, Stakeholders, Systemic perspective