Subways are a major form of transportation for cities around the world.  Hundreds of thousands if not millions of people use these underground train systems each day as a way to get to work, recreational activities and as an everyday convenience.  Passenger and pedestrian safety must be kept in mind on all subway systems.

Rainwater, especially a lot of rain in a short amount of time, can cripple a subway system.  Several times in the past few years parts of the New York City subway systems have been completely shut down because of flooding.   Flooding shuts the trains down leaving passengers stranded.  In order to help prevent subway flooding there are a few options a subway system can take.

One option is to install subway grating across the municipality.  The subway grates immediately reallocate the rain water to the sewer system instead of letting the water pool in the streets.  In order to prevent slip and fall accidents by pedestrians on the surface, slip resistance can be incorporated into the subway grating.  SLIPNOT Metal Safety Flooring can coat any style grating, including ADA compliant grating, with a highly durable non-slip surface.  Grating is offered in steel, stainless steel and aluminum.

Other options in order to prevent subway flooding range from installing pumps at stops that are close to the surface, connecting the current system to sewer pipes, trapping the water and sending it to another location such as a heating facility or garden.  Several anti-flooding techniques incorporated into a system can keep passengers and trains running safety and efficiently.

Fitzpatrick, Mark. “How to Drain Rainwater Out of a Subway.” www.ehow.com. July 29, 2012. <http://www.ehow.com/how_7775804_drain-rainwater-out-subway.html>