A
passenger's most important interface with a transportation mode is the platform.
The ride experience is predicated in many respects on the safety, visibility,
and accommodation afforded by the station platform. Recently, local, federal,
and private dollars are being spent on this aspect of many projects. And with
citizens being asked to take an active role in transit development - communities
are provided with a renewed sense of ownership. Designers have the utmost in flexibility
in specifying concrete for these applications. It can be work of art, a functional
element to protect and warn the awaiting passenger, or both. 
In
any event, there is a plethora of options available in the use of concrete for
the construction of station platforms. Precast concrete pavers blended with cast-in-place
concrete and the use of concrete tactile warning strips present an inexpensive
and aesthetic opportunity. Long platforms might be considered as candidates for
precast concrete panels and above grade platforms may be constructed of concrete
footings, piers and precast beams to support interlocking platform panels of concrete.
All are easily constructed systems whether on structure or laid directly on grade.
Today, concrete structures can be designed for long lasting durability using the
well published principles of concrete construction, with specific attention given
to water-cement ratios, air entrainment, and chemical admixtures. The Portland
Cement Association publication "Guidelines
for Concrete Railway Platforms" provides technical guidance for platform slab
design and construction, concrete specification references, and details on platform
maintenance.