Harrington Hump facts for kids
The Harrington Hump is a clever and simple system that helps make train travel easier for everyone. It's a special ramp that can be added to a railway platform to make it taller. This helps passengers get on and off trains more easily and safely, especially if they use a wheelchair or have a pram.
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What is a Harrington Hump?
A Harrington Hump is like a mini-platform extension. It's built in sections, so it's easy to put together and install. The main idea is to close the gap and reduce the step between the train and the platform. This makes it much safer and simpler for people to board and exit trains.
Why Do We Need Them?
Sometimes, train platforms are much lower than the train doors. This can make it hard for people to get on and off, especially:
- People using wheelchairs.
- Parents with prams or pushchairs.
- People with heavy luggage.
- Anyone who finds it difficult to step up or down.
The Harrington Hump solves this problem by raising part of the platform.
How Are They Built?
Harrington Humps are made from strong, pre-made parts. This means they can be put together quickly and don't cost too much money. They are designed to be strong and last a long time, even with lots of people using them every day.
The Story Behind the Name
The system is named after the Harrington railway station. This station, located in the UK, was the very first place where a full-sized Harrington Hump was installed. It proved to be a great success there, showing how well the idea worked.
Making Train Travel Accessible
Harrington Humps are an important part of making public transport more accessible for everyone. They help ensure that people with different needs can travel by train independently and safely. Because they are cost-effective and easy to install, more and more of these humps are being added to train stations across the UK. This means more people can enjoy train journeys without worrying about difficult steps or gaps.
