Code Library › Volume 1 › Section 3.13 — Rapid Transit Stations
PART 3 — FIRE PROTECTION, OCCUPANT SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITYUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code

3.13.4.1.Occupant Load

(1) The occupant load for public areas within a rapid transit station shall be (a) determined in conformance with this Subsection, and (b) based on peak hour patronage as projected for design of the transit system. (2) The platform occupant load for each platform in a rapid transit station shall be the greater of the a.m. or p.m. peak period loads calculated in accordance with Sentences (3) to (5). (3) The a.m. and the p.m. peak period occupant loads for each platform shall be based on the simultaneous evacuation of the entraining load and the link load for that platform. (4) The entraining load for each platform shall be the sum of the entraining loads for each track serving that platform and the entraining load for each track shall be based on the entraining load per train headway multiplied by (a) a factor of 1.3 to account for surges, and (b) in the peak direction for each route, an additional factor of 2 to account for a missed headway. (5) The link load for each platform shall be the sum of the link loads for each track serving that platform and, except as provided in Sentence (6), the link load for each track shall be based on the link load per train headway multiplied by (a) a factor of 1.3 to account for surges, and (b) in the peak direction for each route, an additional factor of 2 to account for a missed headway. (6) The maximum link load at each track shall be the maximum calculated train load.
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When does OBC Section 3.13 apply to rapid transit stations in Ontario?What are the egress requirements for transit station platforms in Ontario?What fire safety systems are required in rapid transit stations in Ontario?Do rapid transit stations in Ontario have to be accessible?

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Code text is reproduced for reference from the Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 163/24, 2024 Building Code Compendium). This page is provided for general information and is not an official copy. Always verify requirements against the official Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.