Observation and cellular-automaton based modeling of pedestrian behavior on an escalator

In-depth analysis of pedestrian movement behavior on staircases and escalators can significantly improve their operation efficiency and safety. However, compared with stairs, researchers have generally given little attention to pedestrian movement on escalators. In this paper, we conduct a case study to extract the physical attributes of the escalator, the pedestrians’ microscopic movement characteristics, and the macro-level pedestrian flow dynamics on the escalator of Beihang University’s canteen. Using the data, we establish a step-length-based CA model to represent the pedestrian movement across the escalator. The CA model can effectively render the pedestrian’s grouping formation and walking characteristics at the micro-level and describe the pedestrian flow at the macro-level. Through simulations, we quantitatively analyze some widely used pedestrian guidance strategies on escalators (e.g., the “walk left, stand right” rule, changing the grouping formation). The results may have bearing on real-life escalator management. • A case study is conducted to extract the pedestrian movement characteristics around the escalator area. • A step-length-based CA model is proposed to represent the pedestrian movement around the escalator. • This paper reveals the differences in escalator pedestrian flow under different scenarios. • Some widely used pedestrian guidance strategies on escalator are proposed and analyzed.