A cross-platform interchange is a type of interchange between different lines in a metro system. The term originates with the London Underground; such layouts exist in other networks but are not commonly so named. In the United States, it is referred to as simply a "transfer". It occurs in a system with island platforms, a single platform in between the two directions of travel, or two platforms between the tracks, connected by level corridors. Passenger needs no moving to another platform level for transfer thus increases the efficiency of commuting. Building a cross-platform interchange may be costly for the complexity of railtrack alignment if the railway operators insistently arrange their track without flat crossings. In a cross-platform interchange, two opposite directions of a single line sharing an island platform and two similar directions of two different lines share it are both exist with the later one more commonly seen.
Examples
In London's deep-level tube network, these usually occur in pairs for both directions of two lines. This allows for extremely quick and convenient interchange. Such example stations includes Finsbury Park (Piccadilly and Victoria Lines) and Euston tube station (Northern and Victoria Lines). The effect is that the two lines, despite having completely separate operation, can be treated by passengers as branches of a single network. The Mass Rapid Transit system in Singapore features a similar two-station transfer arrangement to allow quick transfers between North South and East West lines. Both City Hall MRT Station and Raffles Place MRT Station feature double underground island platforms stacked atop the other, allowing commuters to switch trains to any direction by walking across the same platform or access the other platform via escalators. Jurong East MRT Station has a less complicated arrangement, with the terminating rail for the North South line aligned between that of the East West line, allowing commuters to alight and board simultaneously on either side. Hong Kong's MTR is another example, with the majority of its interchange stations being of the cross-platform design. In addition, three of its stations feature an inverse cross-platform interchange, which allow passengers travelling in opposite directions to change trains without leaving the island platform. Moreover there are 2 sets of combined use of 2 cross-platform interchange stations in MTR. For example the Tiu Keng Leng Station and its neighbour Yau Tong Station provide the cross-platform interchange between Tseung Kwan O Line and Kwun Tong Line, in which the later route terminates at Tiu Keng Leng Station as shown in the diagram.
See also
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| Running lines | Single track • Passing loop • Double track |
| Rail sidings | Balloon loop • Headshunt • Rail yard • Classification yard |
| Junctions | Flying junction • Level junction • Double junction • Facing and trailing • Grand union • Wye • Railroad switch |
| Stations | Side platform • Island platform • Bay platform • Terminal station • Balloon loop • Spanish solution • Cross-platform interchange |
| Hillclimbing | Horseshoe curve • Zig Zag / Switchback • Spiral |
