EM Passenger Simulator - User Manual
Complete guide to configuring, running, and analyzing passenger flow simulations in transport stations.
📋 Overview & Getting Started
The EM Passenger Simulator (EMPS) is a web-based simulation tool that helps transport planners and station designers understand passenger movement patterns, identify bottlenecks, and optimize station layouts.
🏗️ Station Modeling
Simulates ticket counters, validation gates, corridors, platforms, and restrooms with accurate dimensions.
👵👴 Demographic Sensitivity
Models different behaviors for elderly and non-elderly passengers including movement speeds and facility usage.
📊 Performance Analytics
Generates travel times, queue statistics, density measurements, and facility utilization rates.
⚙️ Control Panel Guide
The Control Panel is where you configure all simulation parameters. All settings must be saved before starting a simulation.
Simulation Settings
| Parameter | Description | Default Value | Recommended Range | Max Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration of Simulation | Total duration of simulation | 60 | 30-120 | 80,000,000 | Minutes |
Population Settings
| Parameter | Description | Default Value | Recommended Range | Max Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Population | Total number of people | 1000 | 500-2000 | 8000 | People |
| Elder Proportion | Proportion of elderly people | 10% | 10-30% | 100% | % |
Population Distribution and Demand Settings
The total population consists of 4 separate populations with different flow patterns:
- Population 1: Enters → Head to ticketing area → Head to platform to board
- Population 2: Enters from main entrances → Head to platforms and board
- Population 3: Alight from train → Head to restroom area → Exit from main entrances
- Population 4: Alights from train → Exit from main entrances
Total Population Distribution
| Population | Description | Default Value | Recommended Range | Max Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population 1: Total population for ticketing area | Proportion of passengers heading to ticketing area | 15% | 10-25% | 100% | % |
| Population 2: Total population heading to platforms | Proportion of passengers with tickets heading to platforms | 30% | 25-40% | 100% | % |
| Population 3: Total population for restroom area | Proportion of passengers heading to restroom area | 15% | 10-20% | 100% | % |
| Population 4: Total population on platforms | Proportion of passengers alighting | 40% | 30-50% | 100% | % |
Elder Population Distribution
| Population | Description | Default Value | Recommended Range | Max Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population 1: Elder proportion in ticketing area | Proportion of elder passengers heading to ticketing area | 25% | 20-40% | 100% | % |
| Population 2: Elder proportion heading to platforms | Proportion of elder passengers with tickets heading to platforms | 20% | 15-35% | 100% | % |
| Population 3: Elder proportion in restroom area | Proportion of elder passengers heading to restroom area | 15% | 10-30% | 100% | % |
| Population 4: Elder proportion on platforms | Proportion of elder passengers alighting | 40% | 30-50% | 100% | % |
⚠️ Important Note
All population percentages must total 100%. The system will validate this before saving.
Control Settings
| Parameter | Description | Default Value | Recommended Range | Max Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance | Number of entrance points | 1 | 1-2 | 2 | Points |
| Counter | Number of ticket counters | 6 | 4-6 | 6 | Counters |
| Validation Counter Left | Number of Left validation counters | 5 | 3-5 | 5 | Number |
| Validation Counter Right | Number of Right validation counters | 5 | 3-5 | 5 | Number |
| Restrooms | Number of restroom facilities | 8 | 4-8 | 8 | Facilities |
💡 Special Values
Validation Counters: Set to -1 to completely disable validation on that side.
Restrooms: Set to 0 if no restroom facilities are available.
Layout Configuration
Important: Main hall, Platform 1, and ticketing areas are mandatory. For single platform stations, set Platform 2 dimensions to 0.
| Parameter | Description | Default Value | Recommended Range | Max Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main hall Area: Width | Width of main hall area | 50 m | 30-60 m | 3000 m | m |
| Main hall Area: Length | Length of main hall area | 50 m | 40-80 m | 3000 m | m |
| Ticketing Area: Width | Width of ticketing area | 5 m | 4-8 m | 3000 m | m |
| Ticketing Area: Length | Length of ticketing area | 5 m | 4-10 m | 3000 m | m |
| Platform Area 1: Width | Width of Platform 1 | 3.5 m | 3-5 m | 3000 m | m |
| Platform Area 1: Length | Length of Platform 1 | 170 m | 150-200 m | 3000 m | m |
| Restroom Area: Width | Width of restroom area | 5 m | 4-8 m | 3000 m | m |
| Restroom Area: Length | Length of restroom area | 5 m | 4-10 m | 3000 m | m |
| Platform Area 2: Width | Width of Platform 2 | 3.5 m | 3-5 m (0 if unused) | 3000 m | m |
| Platform Area 2: Length | Length of Platform 2 | 170 m | 150-200 m (0 if unused) | 3000 m | m |
Corridors Settings
Each platform has 4 corridors. You can configure them as Stairways, Escalators, or None (for Platform 2 only).
Platform 1 Corridors
| Corridor | Default Type | Default Length | Default Width | Recommended Width | Max Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corridor 1 | Stairway | 37 m | 1.75 m | 1.75-2.5 m | 3000 m |
| Corridor 2 | Escalator | 24 m | 1.75 m | 1.75-2.5 m | 3000 m |
| Corridor 3 | Escalator | 24 m | 1.75 m | 1.75-2.5 m | 3000 m |
| Corridor 4 | Stairway | 37 m | 1.75 m | 1.75-2.5 m | 3000 m |
Platform 2 Corridors
| Corridor | Default Type | Default Length | Default Width | Recommended Width | Max Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corridor 5 | Stairway | 37 m | 1.75 m | 1.75-2.5 m | 3000 m |
| Corridor 6 | Escalator | 24 m | 1.75 m | 1.75-2.5 m | 3000 m |
| Corridor 7 | Escalator | 24 m | 1.75 m | 1.75-2.5 m | 3000 m |
| Corridor 8 | Stairway | 37 m | 1.75 m | 1.75-2.5 m | 3000 m |
📐 Corridor Guidelines
Stairways: Manual movement, affected by crowd density
Escalators: Continuous movement, fixed speed/capacity
Train Settings
| Parameter | Description | Default Value | Recommended Range | Max Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train Frequency | Time between train arrivals | 120 sec | 90-300 sec | 3000 sec | sec |
| Train Dwell Times | Time train stops at platform | 40 sec | 30-90 sec | 3000 sec | sec |
| Train Length | Length of train cars | 90 m | 80-120 m | 1000 m | m |
💡 Essential Steps
1. Configure all parameters using tables above
2. Click "Save Settings" (required - saves to local storage)
3. Click "Start Simulation" (opens in new tab)
4. Simulation will load with your saved settings
5. Adjust and rerun as needed for different scenarios
⚠️ Configuration Checklist
✅ Population percentages total 100%
✅ Platform 2 dimensions = 0 if single platform station
✅ Corridor widths ≥ 1.75m for comfortable flow
✅ Validation counters set to -1 to disable if needed
✅ Restrooms = 0 if no facilities available
📐 Shape Distinction
Circles = Moving passengers
Squares/Rectangles = Fixed infrastructure (boxes for facilities, rectangles for trains)
👥 Understanding the 4 Populations
Population 1: Ticket Purchasers
Flow: Enter → Ticket Counter → Validation → Platform → Board
These passengers need to purchase tickets. They create queues at ticket counters and validation gates. Typically includes tourists and occasional travelers.
Population 2: Direct Boarders
Flow: Enter → Validation → Platform → Board
Already have tickets (season tickets, mobile tickets). They bypass ticket counters but still use validation gates. Typically includes regular commuters.
Population 3: Restroom Users
Flow: Alight from Train → Restroom → Validation → Exit
Need restroom facilities after alighting. More common among elderly passengers and long-distance travelers. Can create queues at restrooms.
Population 4: Direct Exitors
Flow: Alight from Train → Validation → Exit
Leave directly without using facilities. Typically the largest group (default 40%). Main contributors to exit congestion.
📊 Planning Strategies
Morning Peak (7-9 AM): Higher Population 2 (commuters with tickets)
Evening Peak (5-7 PM): Higher Population 3 & 4 (returning passengers)
Tourist Stations: Higher Population 1 (ticket purchases) and elderly %
🚀 Complete Workflow Guide
Access Control Panel
Navigate to Control Panel from the main website menu.
Configure Basic Parameters
Start with: Duration (60 min), Total Population (1000), Elder Proportion (10%).
Set Population Distribution
Use defaults: P1:15%, P2:30%, P3:15%, P4:40% (must total 100%).
Configure Facilities
Set numbers for counters, gates, restrooms based on your station design.
Set Layout Dimensions
Configure area sizes in meters. Use defaults for initial testing.
Configure Corridors
Set corridor types (Stairway/Escalator) and dimensions.
Set Train Operations
Configure train frequency, dwell time, and train length.
Save and Launch
Critical: Click "Save Settings" then "Start Simulation".
Analyze Results
Watch simulation. Note bottlenecks, queue lengths, and passenger movement.
Iterate and Optimize
Return to Control Panel, adjust settings, and run new simulations.
🔧 Test Scenarios
🚇 Peak Hour Stress Test
Settings: Total: 2000, Elder: 15%, Duration: 90min
Purpose: Test maximum station capacity during rush hour
🏖️ Weekend Leisure
Settings: Elder: 30%, Restrooms: 8, Duration: 120min
Purpose: Test elderly accessibility and facility usage
🚧 Facility Maintenance
Settings: Close 50% of counters/gates
Purpose: Test station resilience during maintenance
🔍 Troubleshooting Guide
⚠️ Simulation Runs Slowly
Problem: Laggy animation, slow frame rate
Solution: Reduce total population, close other browser tabs, use Chrome/Firefox
⚠️ Passengers Get Stuck
Problem: Passengers stop moving in corridors
Solution: Check corridor widths - should be ≥1.75m for comfortable flow
⚠️ Unrealistic Queue Lengths
Problem: Queues grow very long
Solution: Increase number of counters/gates, reduce population, or adjust arrival rates
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the simulation?
The EMPS has been validated against real station data from Athens and Paris. It shows similar results to commercial simulation tools. Use it for comparative analysis rather than absolute predictions.
Can I change the station layout?
The current version has a fixed station layout, but you control the number and type of facilities, their dimensions, and corridor configurations within that layout.
How are elderly passengers different?
Elderly passengers: Walk 20-30% slower, use restrooms more frequently, spend more time at service points, and are more affected by crowding.
What computer do I need?
EMPS runs in any modern web browser. For simulations with over 3000 passengers, a computer with 4GB+ RAM is recommended. Chrome or Firefox work best.
💡 Quick Checklist
✅ Saved settings before starting simulation
✅ Population percentages total 100%
✅ Platform 2 dimensions set to 0 if not used
✅ Corridor widths ≥ 1.75m
✅ Using Chrome/Firefox browser