Safer transportation: the present and future of the subway

In recent years, subway access control has become a central issue in city planning and management, a fundamental requirement for passenger safety, and a valuable cost-saving tool for governments.

Italian cities, often lacking an efficient urban network due to long-standing civic structures and therefore not designed for large flows of people, have evolved slowly and with considerable difficulty. Today, however, we have a good metro network in our country’s most important cities, and this network is constantly evolving due to the growing flow of travelers. Aware of the importance of a properly functioning mass transit system, Saima develops specific solutions capable of improving the safety of these places with its access control systems.

Motorized security gates in the subway

As mentioned, Italy’s subway lines, both surface and underground, are located in some of the largest and most populous cities. Even if they are only a few kilometers long, subways are a real lifesaver for urban mobility and traffic flow. Near key stations, so-called “park and ride” parking areas have also sprung up, places where people can leave their cars and change vehicles. The widespread use and appreciation of subway transportation by residents and visitors is also evidenced by the need for ongoing expansion and upgrades to ensure ongoing safety.

The introduction of motorized gates was an important step toward greater security at subway stations, not only because it channels the flow of people during rush hour but above all because it allows for access control and therefore prevents entry to those without a valid subway ticket.
An example we can give is that of very civilized Berlin, which finds itself having to consider installing turnstiles for access control due to huge financial losses.
Berlin’s CDU (Christian Democratic Union of Germany) has proposed installing turnstiles as part of its new transportation plan. This idea draws inspiration from other major European cities, such as Paris, London, and our own Milan, where station entrances are already regulated by turnstiles. The lack of checks at station entrances has given rise to the widespread phenomenon of “Schwarzfahrer,” or ticketless travelers. Installing the turnstiles would prevent losses of approximately €20 million, and even greater amounts for the S-Bahn.

Safety in Italian subways: our contribution

One of Saima’s strengths is the production of vertical solutions for the public transport market, designed to meet the needs of each individual customer through customization: the ability to modify the characteristics of what they order and manage every aspect of the product with the company.

The Milan, Rome, and Catania metro systems were among the largest projects undertaken within Italy, where Saima not only supplied the products but also installed them through its technical centers located throughout Italy.
Every modification made to the product, born from a specific need, was the subject of discussion between our design and construction departments and the customer’s contacts.
An example of customization was the different implementation of the solutions produced for the Catania, Milan and Rome metro, where the ticket validators had different needs related to their location.
The customer is involved first-hand in every decision, and this means obtaining a product that is completely tailored to their needs.
Saima has not only collaborated to optimize metropolitan environments in cities such as Milan, Rome, and Catania, but has also intervened in Bari and Naples, collaborating with Ferrovie Appulo Lucane and Grandi Stazioni Rail Spa.

Thermo Scanner: A Look to the Future

Unfortunately, the current pandemic has forced us to introduce many changes to our daily lives, and consequently, to public transportation as well. Protecting health is now a priority. No organization, public or private, can ignore this aspect. Measuring body temperature is one of the key parameters to monitor for this purpose. Saima, always attentive to market needs, has designed a specific solution that involves the use of thermal scanners at its access points, thus protecting both travelers and operators and workers in the sector, who are not exposed to unnecessary risks. These solutions have become essential today and will be for a long time to come. Saima is at the forefront of consumer safety and health protection.