Modelling pedestrian dynamics into a metro station by thermostatted kinetic theory methods

This paper deals with the modelling of pedestrian dynamics at the entry of a metro station by means of the thermostatted kinetic theory framework. Specifically, the model depicts the time evolution of the pedestrian dynamics at the turnstiles under no panic conditions. The modelling of the microscopic interactions is based on the stochastic game theory and reflects the decision dynamics of the turnstiles pursued by pedestrians. A qualitative analysis is addressed to the equilibrium solutions by means of the classical stability theory of perturbations. Numerical simulations aim at showing the emerging behaviours captured by the model. In particular the model validation is obtained by performing a sensitivity analysis on the parameters and on the initial conditions. Further refinements and research perspective, including the modelling under panic conditions, are discussed in the last section of the paper.