Shelter at Railway Stations and Interchanges: Standard

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Standard
Shelter at Railway Stations and

Interchanges
Version 1.0
Issued date: 28 July 2015
Important Warning
This document is one of a set of standards developed solely and specifically for use on public transport assets which are vested in or
owned, managed, controlled, commissioned or funded by the NSW Government, a NSW Government agency or a Transport Agency
(as defined in the Asset Standards Authority Charter). It is not suitable for any other purpose.
You must not use or adapt it or rely upon it in any way unless you are authorised in writing to do so by a relevant NSW Government
agency. If this document forms part of a contract with, or is a condition of approval by a NSW Government agency, use of the document
is subject to the terms of the contract or approval.
This document may not be current. Current standards are available for download from the Asset Standards Authority website at
www.asa.transport.nsw.gov.au.
© State of NSW through Transport for NSW

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Shelter at Railway Stations and Interchanges
Version 1.0
Standard governance
Owner: Lead Stations and Buildings Engineer, Asset Standards Authority
Authoriser: Chief Engineer Rail, Asset Standards Authority
Approver: Director, Asset Standards Authority on behalf of the ASA Configuration Control Board
Document history
Version Summary of Changes
1.0 First issue
For queries regarding this document,

please email the ASA at
standards@transport.nsw.gov.au
or visit www.asa.transport.nsw.gov.au
© State of NSW through Transport for NSW

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Preface
The Asset Standards Authority (ASA) is an independent unit within Transport for NSW (TfNSW)
and is the network design and standards authority for defined NSW transport assets.
The ASA is responsible for developing engineering governance frameworks to support industry
delivery in the assurance of design, safety, integrity, construction, and commissioning of
transport assets for the whole asset life cycle. In order to achieve this, the ASA effectively
discharges obligations as the authority for various technical, process, and planning matters
across the asset life cycle.
The ASA collaborates with industry using stakeholder engagement activities to assist in
achieving its mission. These activities help align the ASA to broader government expectations
of making it clearer, simpler, and more attractive to do business within the NSW transport
industry, allowing the supply chain to deliver safe, efficient, and competent transport services.
The ASA develops, maintains, controls, and publishes a suite of standards and other
documentation for transport assets of TfNSW. Further, the ASA ensures that these standards
are performance-based to create opportunities for innovation and improve access to a broader
competitive supply chain.
This standard describes the requirements for shelter at railway stations and interchanges.
This document should be read in conjunction with the remainder of the five-volume RailCorp
standards relating to station design standard requirements as follows:
• ESB 000 Introduction
• ESB 001 Design Context and Process
• ESB 002 Design Principles
• ESB 003 Station Functional Spaces
• ESB 004 Station Services and Systems
This standard has been prepared by the ASA in consultation with other TfNSW divisions and
agencies, and is a first issue.
© State of NSW through Transport for NSW Page 3 of 25

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Table of contents
1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 5
2. Purpose .................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.1. Scope ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2. Application ............................................................................................................................................. 5
3. Reference documents ............................................................................................................................. 6
4. Terms and definitions ............................................................................................................................. 7
5. Shelter functional design considerations ............................................................................................. 8
5.1. Customer comfort and safety................................................................................................................. 8
5.2. Whole-of-life costs ................................................................................................................................. 9
5.3. Operational reasons for shelter ............................................................................................................. 9
5.4. Reduction of safety risk factors ........................................................................................................... 10
5.5. Design life ............................................................................................................................................ 11
5.6. Structural design requirements ............................................................................................................ 11
6. Shelter locations .................................................................................................................................... 12
7. Lateral extent of shelter ........................................................................................................................ 13
8. Station shelter design requirements ................................................................................................... 13
8.1. Shelter function .................................................................................................................................... 14
8.2. Shelter and structure clearances ......................................................................................................... 14
8.3. Station shelter clearance from platform edge ...................................................................................... 14
8.4. Shelter design aesthetics..................................................................................................................... 19
8.5. Other design requirements .................................................................................................................. 19
8.6. Shelter design aesthetics..................................................................................................................... 22
9. Related factors in shelter design ......................................................................................................... 22
10. Wind breaks ........................................................................................................................................... 24
11. Earthing and bonding ........................................................................................................................... 25

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1. Introduction
This standard identifies the design considerations to achieve public comfort and safety
performance requirements for effective shelter at railway stations and interchanges.
2. Purpose
The purpose of this standard is to achieve the following:
• identify the risks to the public caused by various aspects of the weather at railway stations
and interchanges
• identify benefits and limitations in mitigation of these risks
• define an overall approach to shelter for customers at railway stations and interchanges
• define the specific design parameters which shall be considered in the design of shelter
• define related work which shall be done when providing shelter
2.1. Scope
This standard covers shelter in the following areas:
• shelter at railway stations on electrified and non-electrified lines
• shelters for taxi ranks, bus stops, and 'kiss and ride' areas associated with a transport
interchange
• shelters at or adjacent to train station buildings
Dedicated shelters for taxi ranks, bus stops, ferry wharves and other transport modes not
associated with train stations are not included within the scope of this document.
2.2. Application
This standard is intended for use by suitably qualified professional engineers, architects and
designers of train stations and associated facilities.
This standard applies to shelters in the Metropolitan Rail Area.
This standard does not apply to the following:
• Sydney light rail passenger stations
• passenger train stations not in public use
• railway access points, used only by staff including maintenance facilities, sidings and yards
• shelters associated with freight facilities

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• enclosed rooms
3. Reference documents
The following documents are cited in the text. For dated references, only the cited edition
applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document applies.
International standards
ASTM E903-12 Standard Test Method for Solar Absorption, Reflectance, and Transmittance of
Materials Using Integrating Spheres
Australian standards
AS 1170 Structural design actions (all parts)
AS 1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders - Design, construction and
installation
AS 3600 Concrete structures
AS 4100 Steel structures
Transport for NSW standards
EP 12 10 00 21 SP Low Voltage Installations Earthing
ESB 000 Introduction
ESB 001 Design Context and Process
ESB 002 Design Principles
ESB 003 Station Functional Spaces
ESB 004 Station Services and Systems
T HR EL 12002 GU Electrolysis from Stray DC Current
SPC 301 Structures Construction
Legislation
Heritage Act 1977
Other reference documents
Office of Environment and Heritage, State Agency Heritage Guide – Management of Heritage
Assets by NSW Government Agencies, publication number HO05/01
National Construction Code Series

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4. Terms and definitions

The following terms and definitions apply in this document:
AEO Authorised Engineering Organisation
CPTED crime prevention through environmental design
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
intermodal transfer a point of transfer from one mode of transport to another, such as bus to
train or taxi to train
Metropolitan Rail Area is the area bounded by Newcastle (in the north), Richmond (in the
northwest), Bowenfels (in the west), Macarthur (in the southwest) and Bomaderry (in the south),
and all connection lines and sidings within these areas, but excluding private sidings.
possession closure of one or more lines to allow work to be carried out in the Danger Zone
using a Local Possession Authority (LPA) or a Track Occupancy Authority (TOA)
rain shadow the dry area in the lee side of a roof, canopy or screen in the path of rain-bearing
winds
rolling stock is a vehicle that operates on or uses a railway, and includes a locomotive,
carriage, rail car, rail motor, light rail vehicle, train, tram, light inspection vehicle, self-propelled
infrastructure maintenance vehicle, trolley, wagon or monorail vehicle, but does not include a
vehicle designed to operate both on and off a railway when the vehicle is not operating on a
railway
SFAIRP so far as is reasonably practicable
structure gauge a defined envelope around the track, within which no structure is permitted
superelevation the difference in level between the two rails of a track on a curve
swept path the maximum three dimensional volume taken up by a specified rolling stock outline
(including rolling stock tolerances) as it moves along a track at specified track tolerances,
through design curves, transitions etc. Similarly, this term can also apply to the path of road
vehicles (such as buses) on roads.
transit space a clearance envelope that provides for the safe passage of defined rolling stock
and for infrastructure service requirements; the envelope is defined by a transit space outline
referred to as 'structure gauge'
TfNSW Transport for New South Wales

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5. Shelter functional design considerations

The primary function of shelter is to provide protection from the weather.
The following factors shall be considered when providing shelter:
• customer comfort and safety
• whole-of-life costs
• transport network operations
• accessibility and circulation
• safety and risk including crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED)
requirements and security
• design life
• structural design requirements
• aesthetic appearance of shelter in relation to environmental surroundings
• compliance with the National Construction Code and relevant legislation
5.1. Customer comfort and safety

A full demographic cross-section shall be considered in shelter design including age and
mobility.
At any given location and for the particular scope of work, designers shall exercise a
professional duty of care to passengers to ensure that shelters are safe and secure.
Designers shall pursue the aim of ensuring a high level of customer comfort consistent across
the transport network. Determining the degree of discomfort will depend on whether customers
and the public are stationary or moving, and the length of time spent waiting for transport.
Where appropriate, canopy designs shall provide adequate space to accommodate shelter for
luggage, prams and mobility aids.
Shelter structures above and adjacent to equipment for customer and public use, such as at
integrated ticket scanners, vending machines, help points, escalators and stairs can encourage
use of these facilities as well as provide comfort and protection while they are being used.
Adequate shelter shall be provided for static activities such as queuing, waiting for lifts, or using
vending machines.

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5.2. Whole-of-life costs

The designer shall optimise the provision of shelter to provide value for money for the whole of
the asset life cycle.
All aspects of maintainability shall be considered including access for periodic maintenance,
cleaning, component inspection, replacement, painting, and on-going maintenance. Shelter
design should aim to optimise capital and maintenance costs by ensuring all performance
requirements at the minimum comparative life cycle cost. In general, this will mean providing
relatively simple shelter in form and detail, without skylights or glazing.
Refer to Section 8.5.3 for further information on maintenance requirements.
An acceptable design will ensure satisfaction of all the performance criteria over the design life
of the asset.
5.3. Operational reasons for shelter

The following are possible operational reasons for providing shelter:
• protection of equipment and servicing
• encouraging particular behaviours
5.3.1. Protection of equipment, its use and servicing

Equipment such as vending machines, escalators, air conditioning components and passenger
information systems can be vulnerable to malfunction, lack reliability, and require greater
maintenance if exposed to the weather.
Equipment shall be adequately protected to ensure high reliability and minimum life cycle costs.
Any power, data, water supply, drainage or related plant serving such equipment will similarly
make the operation of equipment vulnerable and shall also be adequately protected.
Shelters can provide protection to persons who service such equipment. The location of access
points and vulnerability of the equipment during servicing or replenishment shall be included in
shelter design.
5.3.2. Encouraging particular behaviours

Shelter can encourage people to congregate or spread out. For example, extensive canopy
coverage can encourage customers to spread along the platform to more doors of the train,
which can in turn affect train dwell times. Similarly, in other crowd situations, congestion can be
alleviated by providing alternative sheltered locations for customers to use.

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Canopies and wind breaks can encourage people to gravitate to areas where seating or
protection from direct sunlight, glare and inclement weather is provided. Potential discomfort is
thereby minimised.
5.4. Reduction of safety risk factors

Shelter can help reduce safety risks related to weather and crowd movement. For reasons of
safety, designs for shelters shall take into account the requirements for maintaining good visual
surveillance and the need to avoid creating places of concealment and climbable structures.
5.4.1. Risk from weather

Shelter structures that give protection from the sun, glare, wind, rain and snow will eliminate or
reduce some safety risk factors in addition to providing a level of human comfort. For example,
adequate shelter can help mitigate the risk of slips, trips and falls, given that wet surfaces can
contribute to this risk particularly where other risk factors are present.
Elements of weather vary in different geographic locations or exposures, and shall be

adequately considered by the designer for the particular location.
Expected climatic conditions at a station shall be considered. Climatic conditions include

annual, seasonal, monthly as well as diurnal climatic averages, statistical distribution
(maximums and minimums), the frequency, intensity and direction of potential extremes of
weather and local microclimate. Obtain information available from the Bureau of Meteorology to
ensure designs allow adequate protection.
Section 10 contains specific information relating to wind breaks.
5.4.2. Risk from crowd movement

Crowding reduces the pace and freedom of movement of individuals, restricts visibility,
contributes to a feeling of disorientation, and heightens dependency on the directional
movement of others. These effects are amplified with increasing crowd density, and can reach
high levels during an emergency or in extraordinary situations. Factors which can affect crowd
safety in these situations should be avoided or at least mitigated. Providing shelter can help to
reduce risk, and may be appropriate where potential crowding can be predicted, subject to an
overall risk assessment.
Where potential for crowding exists along a path of travel, the consistency of mitigating
particular aspects of risk can also be an important factor in mitigating overall risk. Continuity of
shelter, where crowding risk exists, should be considered by risk assessment.

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5.5. Design life

All structural elements, including the following, shall be designed to have a minimum life of
50 years:
• footings and slabs
• columns, posts and beams
• rafters and trusses
• structural fixings
All cladding and attachments, including the following, shall be designed to have a minimum life
of 25 years:
• purlins and connections
• roof sheeting, walling and associated screens
• gutters and downpipes
• above ground services, services elements, distribution and support systems
Subject to meeting their functional requirements, shelter elements with greater durability and
maintainability associated with longer life, offer better value for money and a perception of
permanence. They tend to minimise potential disruption to transport services and the travelling
public due to required repairs, replacement and maintenance.
Life cycle costing of the shelter elements related to overall options shall be undertaken and
considered on a cost benefit basis to justify selections at appropriate points in the design
process.
5.6. Structural design requirements

Structural design shall comply with relevant Australian standards including the following:
• AS 1170 Structural Design Actions
• AS 3600 Concrete Structures
• AS 4100 Steel Structures
Design loads are specified in Section 9 of this document.
Structural elements shall be made from steel or concrete.
Timber shall not be used for structural elements.
The design, construction and documentation of shelter structures shall comply with SPC 301
Structures Construction.

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6. Shelter locations
The minimum extent of shelter shall be determined by the station classification and particular
station constraints.
Provide shelter by means of a roof and secondly, if required, by means of vertical screening.
Where appropriate, provide shelter at the following locations:
• At points where wet weather can increase the risk of slips, trips and falls.
• At points of congestion in pedestrian flow where passengers' sightlines to see a hazard on

the walking surface may be restricted. For example, the provision of shelter over stairs and
ramps or other vertical transportation elements where ascending or descending, at
landings and crowd accumulation points at the tops and bottoms of stairs and ramps, or at
changes of direction, or where funnelling congestion slows pedestrian flow.
• At points where weather can affect the operation, life or reliability of mechanical plant
associated with pedestrian movement. For example, over escalators or travelators, or
where water might overflow or leak into moving machinery, lift shafts, or machinery pits
containing associated equipment.
• At customer queuing or waiting areas where passengers may have to pause or wait for
various reasons. For example, areas such as ticket windows, ticket and commercial
vending machines, lift entries, decision points where information is provided and needs to
be read and understood or where staff hubs provide information.
• At ticket verification and validation points where there are ticket barriers (for the protection
of customers queuing and protection of the equipment) or at smartcard ticketing tap on and
tap off locations and top up machines.
• At entry points to sheltered areas to provide a transition and prevent the 'walking in' of
external hazards such as water on feet or other contaminants, thereby reducing the risk of
those contaminants causing slips, trips and falls.
• At boarding zone locations adjacent to train doors. Safe and comfortable boarding and
alighting from the train occurs to the extent required by the station classification or specific
station configuration.
• To provide continuous pedestrian flow to facilitate a safe and continuous pedestrian route
from one area to another. This may be to join the abovementioned areas, or provide a
discreet path in its own right. The numbers and frequency of use of a route may determine
the need for the provision of shelter.
• At intermodal and inter-service transfer precincts to provide effective and safe connection
between adjacent transport services and modes.
Refer to Section 7 for information on the lateral extent of shelter.

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7. Lateral extent of shelter

Wind-blown rain can contribute to safety risk, as well as provide discomfort. Where not
constrained by the design requirements and clearance dimensions, wind-blown rain shall dictate
the lateral extent of canopies.
A combination of shelter elements shall protect customers from wind-blown rain to form a rain
shadow appropriate to a particular location, exposure and orientation. Where this is not known
and cannot be discovered, use a minimum angle of incidence to the horizontal of 65 ° projected
upwards from the extent of the path to be covered at pedestrian foot level. Figure 1 illustrates
the 65 ° rain shadow protection.
Canopy
Stair width
or
pedestrian route
Wet area Wet area
Wind driven rain

65° Dry area 65°
Figure 1 – Canopy rain shadow
Shelter for stairs, station entrances and pedestrian routes through stations may require an
extended canopy overhang, fully enclosed sides or partially enclosed sides.
Refer to Section 8.3 for information relating to shelter structures and clearances.
8. Station shelter design requirements

Station shelter includes all canopies of the railway transport interchange. Canopies and wind
breaks are the primary building elements of shelter.
Considerations for canopy design include the following:
• shelter function
• nature of prevailing weather conditions
• shelter and structure clearances
• pedestrian flows
• shelter design aesthetics

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• any other functional or statutory requirement appropriate to the particular location
Refer to Section 9 for information regarding shelter design.
8.1. Shelter function

The primary goal for canopy design is to provide shelter from weather and in doing so, satisfy all
the stated functional requirements, including providing value for money over the whole of the
asset life cycle.
8.2. Shelter and structure clearances

Shelter structures and their support elements require specific clearances to the following station
elements and nearby related features:
• platform edge (edge of coping)
• vertical to platform or footpath including required clearances to attached elements such as

suspended indicator panels and wayfinding signage
• stairs
• intermodal transfer facilities including car parks
• bus stops, taxi stands, and kiss and ride facilities
• accessible path
• overhead wiring structures
Additionally, adequate clearances shall be maintained between shelters and existing trees to
prevent access onto the roof of shelter via overhanging branches, and avoid potential damage
to assets from branch contact or gutters filling with twigs and leaves.
8.3. Station shelter clearance from platform edge

Structural columns and supports for roofs, canopies and wind screens shall have the minimum
clearance of 3300 mm from the platform edge to maintain the statutorily required unobstructed
accessible path on the platform. A dimension of 3500 mm is preferred.
The leading edge of a canopy structure on a straight platform shall not be less than 400 mm
from the vertically projected line of the edge of the platform, with the required vertical clearance.
Figure 2 shows the setback for the leading edge of a canopy in relation to the platform edge and
the canopy clearance envelope.
Figure 3 illustrates the setback for a straight platform where there is no track superelevation.

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CANOPY SET BACK FOR HEIGHTS ABOVE

3000 mm SHALL BE UNDERTAKEN IN
CONSULTATION WITH COMPETENT TRACK
AND OVERHEAD WIRING ENGINEERS
INDICATORS
SET BACK
3000 max.
2400
2400 MINIMUM CLEARANCE HEIGHT

FOR PLATFORM INFORMATION,
FIXTURES AND ATTACHMENTS
Figure 2 - Canopy structure envelope and clearance set back from platform edge
CANOPY STRUCTURE ENVELOPE
400
SET BACK
CL
Figure 3 - Straight platform – no superelevation

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The platform edge clearance shall be varied in the following circumstances:
• where the platform is curved and the superelevation causes the train lean into (convex), or
away (concave) from the platform
• where the leading edge of the canopy to the platform obstructs vision to train signals
No antennae or any other attached fixtures shall project beyond the leading edge of a canopy
structure into the setback zone from the platform edge.
Figure 4 illustrates the setback for the leading edge of a canopy on a convex platform with
positive superelevation.
Figure 5 illustrates the setback for the leading edge of a canopy on a concave platform with
negative superelevation.
SUPER ELEVATION
SET BACK
(+)VE
CL
Figure 4 - Convex platform – positive superelevation

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SUPER ELEVATION
SET BACK
(-)VE
CL
Figure 5 - Concave platform – negative superelevation
8.3.1. Calculating setback for the leading edge of a platform canopy

The setback for a canopy is the horizontal offset dimension from the platform edge to the
leading edge of the canopy structure. Figure 2 illustrates the setback.
Setback = 400 mm + superelevation factor
Superelevation factor = ± 1.6 × superelevation at the location along the platform
A positive superelevation causes rolling stock to lean towards the platform. This will increase
the setback dimension to greater than 400 mm; positive superelevation occurs adjacent to
convex platforms.
A negative superelevation causes rolling stock to lean away from platform. This will decrease
the setback dimension to less than 400 mm; negative superelevation occurs adjacent to
concave platforms.
Superelevation varies along the track and can be obtained from the regional track surveyor of
the AEO responsible for the track configuration.

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An example calculation for the setback required for a canopy structure on a convex platform is
provided as follows:
Setback = 400 mm + 1.6 × 75 mm superelevation
= 520 mm
Similarly an example calculation for the setback required for a canopy structure on a concave
platform is as follows:
Setback = 400 mm - 1.6 × 50 mm superelevation
= 320 mm
Refer to Section 13 of ESC 215 Transit Space for safe clearances for track.
8.3.2. Station canopy or attachments vertical clearance

Above platforms and on concourses and ramps, the lowest point of any component on the
underside of any canopy structure or finished soffit, shall be 2700 mm above platform or floor
level. This includes permanent components such as gutters and downpipes.
Above stairs, the underside of a finished canopy soffit or exposed structure shall have a
minimum height, measured vertically above the finished stair nosings of 2700 mm.
Any passenger information system or other fittings, elements and equipment that are likely to be
attached to the underside of a canopy shall have a minimum clear height above the finished
platform or floor level of 2400 mm. Equipment can include indicators, station passenger
information (SPI) panels, clocks, light fittings, public address (PA) system speakers, closed
circuit television (CCTV) cameras or cable trays.
When setting the height of the canopy structure and finishes, the vertical clearances shall
include provision for all likely or possible future attached elements.
The minimum heights are to ensure that all fixed items are beyond the normal reach of vandals.
In large spaces, it may be necessary to increase these minimum heights to prevent spaces
becoming visually oppressive.
8.3.3. Canopy horizontal clearance at bus, taxi, kiss and ride facilities
Where a canopy at a bus stop, taxi rank or kiss and ride facility does not pass over the top of
the vehicles, the leading edge of the canopy shall be set back by a minimum of 600 mm from
the edge of the road kerb. A dimension of 800 mm is however preferred.
The clearance dimension may need to be increased at curved kerbs to allow for the sweep
paths of the front and rear overhangs of buses manoeuvring out of parking locations in order to
prevent the vehicles coming into contact with shelter fascias, eaves or downpipes.

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8.3.4. Accessible path support structure clearances

Structural columns and supports should be located clear of desired paths and away from natural
pedestrian paths.
The roof and canopy design shall minimise structural obstructions to pedestrians on platforms.
Refer to Section 8.4 for information relating to station shelter clearance.
8.3.5. Line of sight

Structural columns and supports shall not restrict vision to SPI panels or vision for CCTV
cameras, guard indicator lights or signals.
8.3.6. Clearance from overhead wiring structures

Canopy structures shall have a minimum 2000 mm vertical or horizontal clearance to overhead
wiring (OHW) structures unless alternative touch potential protection is provided. Clearances
from high voltage overhead cables shall comply with AS 7000.
T HR EL 00004 ST Buildings and Structures under Overhead Lines outlines TfNSW

requirements for buildings and structures under overhead lines within and outside the rail
corridor.
T HR EL 08001 ST Safety Screens and Barriers for 1500 V OHW Equipment provides details of
clearance envelopes associated with 1500 V traction power equipment.
8.4. Shelter design aesthetics

Shelter design shall be integrated into the overall design concept of the public areas, their
function and the station classification. The design shall consider scale, spatial volume and form,
aesthetic character, materials, colour, as well as performance constraints. Achievement of a
particular aesthetic shall not be to the detriment of the achievement of the shelter’s functional
purposes.
8.5. Other design requirements

Other specific shelter design requirements include the following:
• thermal performance, including impact of solar heat loads during summer
• canopy drainage
• maintenance considerations including bird proofing of shelter structures
• heritage considerations
• optimisation of shade

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8.5.1. Thermal performance

Canopy roofs shall not radiate heat to provide an environment more uncomfortable than if a
canopy were not provided. Specifically, metal roof canopies shall have a light coloured roof with
a solar absorbance factor not greater than 0.43 measured in accordance with ASTM E903-12
Standard Test Method for Solar Absorption, Reflectance, and Transmittance of Materials Using
Integrating Spheres.
Canopy roofs shall be designed to prevent condensation. Condensation can cause nuisance
dripping and compromise the life of materials and finishes.
8.5.2. Canopy drainage considerations

Canopy drainage design shall integrate downpipes with canopy structure and footings to avoid
protrusions and trip hazards. Box gutters should (preferably) be avoided.
Maintenance access shall be provided at platform level where downpipes discharge to drains.
Water discharge from the canopy stormwater drainage system shall be captured and kept
separate from track drainage, given the safety critical nature of the latter.
Drainage design should provide the following:
• adequate gutters, downpipes, sumps, connected discharge pipes and junction for 100 year
weather events
• protection of downpipes from impact load and damage by vandals, or select materials to
withstand impact loads and vandalism
• overflow or alternative drainage points at gutters
• eaves gutters, but only where they can be cleaned out, in the event of an emergency,
without a possession
• sump and gutter guards to prevent the accumulation of leaves and other rubbish in gutters
valleys or high level sumps
• access for regular gutter maintenance from platform level without the need for roof access
or possessions
• provision of ladder brackets where other forms of maintenance access are not available
• canopies over stairs shall not extend more than one flight without the provision of
intermediate gutters
Collection of rainwater for storage and reuse in grey water applications shall be considered
where practicable. Using gravity-fed systems will assist to make this more viable. Mechanical
pump systems that require maintenance should be avoided.

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Sufficient drainage shall be provided to move water away from customer areas and to ensure
no ponding occurs at shelter locations. Surface gradients shall be altered where practicable to
prevent water flowing under canopies.
Canopy structures, fascias and supports shall be provided with flashings, drip moulds or
grooves where necessary to prevent water running down the structure to the platform.
8.5.3. Maintenance considerations

Shelter structures shall be designed to minimise the need for maintenance.
There are established safety clearances from the overhead wiring and transit space clearances
that cannot be infringed without a track possession. Wherever possible, platform canopies shall
be designed with sufficient safety clearances (for example, from overhead wires and
pantographs) such that periodic maintenance of canopy elements can occur without the need
for a possession. Required safety clearances from aerial power cables are specified in AS 7000
(clause 3.11).
Where access to radio masts is needed, access hatches, attached ladders and platforms that
comply with AS 1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders - Design, construction
and installation shall be used.
8.5.4. Heritage
Transport agencies are responsible for maintaining and appropriately managing heritage items
under their stewardship and control.
The Heritage Act 1977 is designed to protect, maintain and manage environmental heritage in
NSW, including items of archaeological significance.
When changes are proposed to items that have heritage significance, the following applies:
• for items listed on the State Heritage Register, the provisions of the Heritage Act shall be
met
• for items listed on a state agency Section 170 Heritage and Conservation Register, the
principles and relevant guidelines contained within the State Agency Heritage Guide shall
be followed
The identified significance of a particular item or precinct, as well as its contributory elements
and values shall not be unduly compromised by any new works. Identifying the significant
features, values and characteristics of a heritage item or precinct is an essential step in
developing appropriate designs for new elements including shelters and canopies at heritage
listed stations.

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Advice from a professional heritage practitioner shall be obtained early in a project's scoping
and design stage to assess any potential heritage impacts, and to guide the nature and extent
of all proposed works including new shelter structures.
The likely heritage impacts of shelters and canopies proposed to be erected within the vicinity of
existing heritage items shall be identified.
Designs for new shelters and canopies at heritage listed stations shall be developed in
consultation with the relevant approval authorities, including the nominated operator and
maintainer or the regulatory authority. Consultation with local community groups may also be
warranted for new shelters in particular locations.
Shelter and canopy design should demonstrate how identified heritage elements have been
considered in the design before the approved for construction stage.
The scale, form, bulk and character of new shelter structures should relate well to existing site
features and characteristics. Any new construction materials, finishes and colours should
complement those of existing buildings and structures.
Design considerations such as locating new canopies in less sensitive areas, maintaining a
physical separation between new works and significant building fabric and using materials that
clearly distinguish new built elements from existing fabric may be used to mitigate potential
adverse impacts on heritage items in order to maintain their significance.
8.6. Shelter design aesthetics

Shelter design shall be integrated into the overall design concept of the public areas, their
function and the station classification. The design shall consider scale, spatial volume and form,
aesthetic character, materials, colour, as well as performance constraints. Achievement of a
particular aesthetic shall not be to the detriment of the achievement of the shelter’s functional
purposes.
9. Related factors in shelter design

The following factors shall be demonstrated to have been adequately addressed as an integral
part of all canopy design:
• a comprehensive review of earthing, bonding and isolation requirements. Refer to

Section 12 for earthing and bonding requirements.
• roof access and fall protection systems shall be provided to roofs and canopies for periodic
and emergency maintenance from level areas for safe ladder access
• under-canopy lighting shall be designed and installed to provide required levels of

illumination in accordance with the law. Required lighting levels under a canopy are greater

T MU SS 90002 ST
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than for an open area (refer to ESB E001). Where practicable, light fittings should be
recessed in ceilings and soffits to minimise vandalism.
• bird and rodent-proofing shall be incorporated to prevent perching or nesting over or

around all public or customer spaces. The potential for birds to roost or nest should be
considered at the design stage so that the need to install spikes or wires at a later stage is
largely avoided.
• support of station systems, including SPI panels plus the weight of two maintenance
personnel, maintenance-related tools and replacement parts
• clearances and proximity to services distribution
• static signage support, clearances and visibility
• services distribution system
• location of structural supports with footing design to minimise (or avoid) obstructions and
trip hazards
• choice of simple and stable structural system with integrity and independence from
platform and station building structure
• visibility of all structural joints and column base plates to facilitate easy inspection
• choice of materials; materials shall be robust, vandal resistant and low maintenance
• choice of finishes; finishes should be tough and durable and conform to colour palette
guidelines
• shelter structures shall be designed to prevent them from being readily climbable or used
to climb onto other structures
• the following engineering design loads shall be considered in addition to the general live
and imposed loads:
o wind and potential snow loads
o seismic loads
o collision and crowd loads
o earthing and bonding

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10. Wind breaks

A wind break is typically a vertical element that provides protection to passenger seating areas
from wind and wind-driven rain. Wind breaks may also provide protection to designated
wheelchair and pram parking positions as well as 'refuge' spaces for customers with disability.
Wind breaks shall be integrated with other required structures (canopies, seating, waste bins)
wherever possible, and may be introduced at designated safety zones on platforms.
Wind breaks shall be provided on platforms where any of the following conditions apply:
• average wind speed equal to or more than 30 km/h for 60% of the time during the morning
peak period
• for the months of June or July, the mean lowest temperature is less than 10 °C for a 24 h
period
Measured meteorological data shall be used to ascertain the prevailing weather conditions at
specific locations. Orientation of windbreaks should respond to local conditions.
Wind breaks shall have the following requirements:
• not impede passenger circulation paths or queuing areas
• allow for natural surveillance through the wind break. The use of plastic should be avoided,
and glass minimised where possible in order to reduce maintenance and replacement
costs. Glass shall comply with the rules for the use of glass in stations set out in ESB 003
• have a minimum height of 2000 mm
• be resistant to acts of vandalism
• comply with relevant codes and standards addressing glazing (when glazed vertical panels
are used in the design)
Refer to Section 5.4.1 for information relating to risk from weather.

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11. Earthing and bonding

An analysis of a proposed shelter structure, including roof canopy, shall be conducted to identify
earthing, bonding and isolation requirements and any pertinent safety issues.
It is imperative that an earthing and bonding design engineer is consulted at various stages of
the design process to ensure that safety hazards associated with earthing and bonding are
completely mitigated or minimised so far as is reasonably practicable (SFAIRP). Some of the
matters (the list is not exhaustive) that shall be considered in any analysis of the shelter
structure and associated canopy includes the following:
• proximity to overhead wiring structures
• areas where the shelter interfaces with other conductive structures and elements (such as
handrails and street lighting poles)
• transfer of hazard from one location to another due to continuity of the structure;
particularly where structures extend beyond the edge of a station platform
• construction under high voltage aerial lines
• low voltage systems and installations attached to the shelter (for example a lighting
system), or installed under it (for example, vending machines), or integrated in it (for
example, lifts)
Various methods can be used to achieve a safe design from an earthing and bonding
perspective. Refer to EP 12 10 00 21 SP Low Voltage Installations Earthing and
T HR EL 12002 GU Electrolysis from Stray DC Current for further information.

Shelter at Railway Stations and Interchanges: Standard

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T MU SS 90002 ST

Shelter at Railway Stations and

© State of NSW through Transport for NSW

For queries regarding this document,

© State of NSW through Transport for NSW

• ESB 000 Introduction

• ESB 001 Design Context and Process

• ESB 002 Design Principles

• ESB 003 Station Functional Spaces

• ESB 004 Station Services and Systems

© State of NSW through Transport for NSW Page 3 of 25

© State of NSW through Transport for NSW Page 4 of 25

• identify benefits and limitations in mitigation of these risks

• define related work which shall be done when providing shelter

• shelter at railway stations on electrified and non-electrified lines

• shelters at or adjacent to train station buildings

This standard applies to shelters in the Metropolitan Rail Area.

This standard does not apply to the following:

• Sydney light rail passenger stations

• passenger train stations not in public use

• shelters associated with freight facilities

© State of NSW through Transport for NSW Page 5 of 25

AS 1170 Structural design actions (all parts)

AS 3600 Concrete structures

AS 4100 Steel structures

Transport for NSW standards

EP 12 10 00 21 SP Low Voltage Installations Earthing

ESB 000 Introduction

ESB 001 Design Context and Process

ESB 002 Design Principles

ESB 003 Station Functional Spaces

ESB 004 Station Services and Systems

T HR EL 12002 GU Electrolysis from Stray DC Current

SPC 301 Structures Construction

Heritage Act 1977

Other reference documents

National Construction Code Series

© State of NSW through Transport for NSW Page 6 of 25

4. Terms and definitions

AEO Authorised Engineering Organisation

CPTED crime prevention through environmental design

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials

SFAIRP so far as is reasonably practicable

TfNSW Transport for New South Wales

© State of NSW through Transport for NSW Page 7 of 25

5. Shelter functional design considerations

The following factors shall be considered when providing shelter:

• customer comfort and safety

• transport network operations

• accessibility and circulation

• structural design requirements

• aesthetic appearance of shelter in relation to environmental surroundings

• compliance with the National Construction Code and relevant legislation

5.1. Customer comfort and safety

© State of NSW through Transport for NSW Page 8 of 25

5.2. Whole-of-life costs

Refer to Section 8.5.3 for further information on maintenance requirements.

5.3. Operational reasons for shelter

• protection of equipment and servicing

• encouraging particular behaviours

5.3.1. Protection of equipment, its use and servicing

5.3.2. Encouraging particular behaviours

© State of NSW through Transport for NSW Page 9 of 25