Improving Speech Intelligibility from PA Systems in Transportation Terminals

Abstract

ACRP 175 was published in 2018 and provides basic guidelines for design, installation, and operation of public address systems in airport terminals. There are approximately 400 airports in the US, and with over 550 underground stations and 2,600 above ground stations in the US , many of these guidelines developed for airports can also be easily adapted for these transit stations. This paper provides an overview of ACRP 175 guidance with a focus on key factors for successful design and commissioning. As part of the research acoustic field studies were performed at six airports and a total of 45 different spaces including ticketing, concourse, gate lounges, food courts, arrival/departure halls, baggage claim, and curbside locations. We describe experience using ACRP 175 on current design-build projects and discuss other relevant industry standards.