scope:

The results of a study to formulate fire safety guidelines to be required for vehicles used in Downtown People Mover (DPM) systems for the movement of people in a congested urban area are presented. Through a review of the design features of existing people mover vehicles and systems, and a review of proposed new systems, fire scenarios are developed and guidelines suggested to minimize the fire risk to passengers.

Methods and criteria, based on established test procedures, are proposed for assessing the flammability and smoke generation of interior finish and furnishing materials. Fire and smoke detection and suppression equipment are recommended, along with proposed guidelines for emergency evacuation provisions and emergency communication requirements.

An extensive bibliography of flammability in fixed guideway transit systems is included.

Keywords: Emergency communications; emergency evacuation; fire detection; fire safety, fire suppression; mass transportation; material flammability; people movers; smoke.