The RTD train seats are dangerous because of the way they are positioned. They don't allow passangers to seat themselves quickly or allow storage for backpacks, bags, briefcases underneath. (Please see the picture I took on Denver H-line on July 22, 2009) This presents tripping hazards.
A bench seat design allows for more spacious aisles, passanger flow and storage space. Passangers are less apt to trip and there are less hazardous metal areas. Please view the photos inside the train at this site:
http://www.photopassjapan.com/densha/image43.html We are asking for the RTD and the Department of Transportation to consider making these changes as they replace or introduce new train cars into the system. We are also asking for economical change by allowing engineering student interns to work under a RTD design engineer.
Please sign below and add your name to our request.
We the undersigned:
Feel that the train seats as they are currently designed are dangerous because they are turned to face each other and there is little or no storage space beneath them. This presents a tripping hazard especially for elderly passangers when the train starts up before they find a seat.
Please help us to persuade RTD to change the seat design to bench style seating that runs along the outside of the train as is found in many Japanese Communter trains. See photos of inside a Japanese train:
http://www.photopassjapan.com/densha/image43.html This type of seating allows for enhanced storage space, easier flow of traffic on and off the train and allows passengers to find a seat quickly. It is also easier for passengers to see those who are less able and rise to offer their seat.
This change is practical if we use engineering students as interns under one of the design engineers at RTD. This gives students valuable hands on learning plus work experience to place on their resume, I'm sure the University chosen could exchange credit hours toward a doctorate or post doctorate for the RTD engineer involved.
With the higher price of gasoline and a weak economy, we feel that this is a practical creative way to move our RTD train system into the future.
Thank you for reading our letter and seeing our idea is heard.
