Transit planners in New York are trying to design the ideal subway car interior by observing existing passenger behavior, and while their designs are still preliminary, their research gives a fascinating look inside the minds of subway riders. The research recommends designing a subway car with vertical poles in the middle to maximize that premium near-the-door space for short-trip passengers, and transverse seating at the ends of the cars for long-distance riders. There would also be some seats along the walls near the doors separated by poles and partitions.
New York transit passengers prefer standing near a door to standing in the middle of the car, even when more space is available there. The planners recommend cars with asymmetrical door placements, to “lure” passengers away from crowding the door areas.
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