Modular public transport stop upgrades

fisco and fischer enable step-reduced mobility

Modular public transport stop upgrades
References
The city of Kassel and the Kasseler Verkehrsgesellschaft (KVG) are converting 80 stops to be barrier-free. A complete rebuild is not necessary for this. Instead, modular curb height extensions made of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) from fisco GmbH are used. For secure anchoring, fischer UltraCut concrete screws FBS II made of stainless steel are used. The solution enables a low-step entry according to DIN 18040-3 with minimal construction times.

Project brief

Client / Partner
City of Kassel, Kassel Transport Company (KVG)
Execution / Period
2025 - 2026
Project
Retrofitting of stops for accessibility
Location
Kassel, Hesse, Germany

Overcoming Level Differences in Existing Structures

At many Kassel stops, steps made boarding difficult. This especially affected wheelchair users, elderly passengers, and families with strollers. With a curb height of 20 cm, the height difference to the vehicle was up to 10 cm. Even with wear on rails and wheels or when fully loaded, the permissible height was exceeded. The measurement was up to 5 cm above the specifications of DIN 18040-3. A conventional modification of the curbs would have caused long track closures and high costs. Therefore, a quick retrofit in the existing structure was sought.

Modular GRP Curb Height Extension by fisco

The choice fell on the system from fisco GmbH, a company within the fischer group. The modules raise the curb by exactly 2 cm over a length of 4.6 m. At the same time, the adjacent paving is adjusted to the same level. Together with new folding ramps and modified vehicle doors, this creates a low-step entry. The installation concept offers the following advantages:

  • Short installation times: Installation takes only about 3.5 hours per stop. Including securing, the construction site is completed in around half a day.
  • Easy handling: One set consists of four middle and two edge elements. Each module weighs a maximum of 5 kg. Heavy lifting equipment is not necessary for transport.
  • Minimal traffic disruption: Due to the quick work steps, ongoing traffic operations remain largely undisturbed.
Promote barrier-free infrastructure
Barrier-free public transportation creates the foundation for people to be able to move independently and on an equal footing.
Markus Blust, Team Leader Product Management at fisco GmbH

Anchoring Technology: Permanent Hold with fischer Concrete Screws

fischer anchoring technology ensures the secure hold of the GFRP elements on the curb.

Screws used: fischer UltraCut Concrete Screws FBS II 8 x 60 10 SK R with countersunk head and FBS II 8 x 60 10 US R with pressed washer.

Corrosion-resistant stainless steel (R): The stainless steel A4 version permanently resists moisture, de-icing agents, and aggressive environmental influences.

Flush surface: The countersunk screws sit flush with the profile. This prevents any tripping hazards in the entry area.

Used fischer concrete screws

Material Profile: Robust GRP Properties for the Rail Sector

The glass fiber reinforced plastic meets the strict requirements of rail-bound local transport.

Safety with Traction Current: GRP does not conduct electricity. The material is antistatic and non-magnetic.

High Slip Resistance: The surface meets class R13 according to DIN EN 16165. It provides secure footing even when wet.

Certified Fire Protection: According to DIN EN 13501-1, the profiles achieve class Bfl-s1,d0. They are flame retardant, low smoke, and do not drip.

Good Visibility: The coloring in signal yellow (RAL 1003) and white creates clear visual contrasts. This supports visually impaired persons when boarding.

Experience in Public Transport

Kassel uses a proven solution. fisco previously successfully implemented 63 ramp systems in Darmstadt as well as 67 platform height adjustments in Jena. The modular GRP components demonstrate that targeted retrofitting of existing stops is an economical and resource-saving alternative to complete reconstruction.

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