Nudging on Lyon Metro

Lyon’s underground platforms mark where the train doors will be. At peak times, this causes a problem.

Those waiting at the station will cluster around those markers and, when the train arrives, be in just the right place to block those wanting to get off the train. The train arrives. The doors open. Those inside are faced by a wall of people who knew exactly where to stand and wait. They have been waiting long enough to be a solid block a few people deep.

What follows is pushing, annoyance, and less than ideal.

To ease this problem TCL, the operators of the underground, have painted hints on the platform about where to stand and who has right of way. They help nudge passengers to do the right thing. They do not work consistently but they at least provide some guidance.