Examination of Appropriate Announcement Methods for Monorail Emergency Stoppages: Simulation Experiment Based on Channels and Intervals of Announcements

Abstract

The present study examined the effects of a conductor’s announcements on passengers’ psychological states through simulation experiments of monorail emergency stoppages. A comparison between broadcast and face-to-face announcements was examined in the first experiment, and intervals (six minutes and three minutes) of broadcast announcements were examined in the second experiment. The results were as follows: (1) there was no significant difference between the announcement channels on passenger anxiety, (2) the broadcast announcements were perceived more socially desirable than the face-to-face announcements, (3) there was no significant effect of the announcement interval on passengers’ psychological states. The results suggest that face-to-face announcements are perceived as inappropriate in these non-crisis situations. Moreover, announcement frequency has not made a difference on the psychological states of passengers if the contents of the announcements are almost the same. It may be concluded that broadcast announcements at six minute intervals are preferable in terms of practicality.