I observe people and kids slipping when deboarding coaches. The steps are narrow and not built to today's standards. Has anyone used some "non-slip" product, rebuilt steps or elsewise found a way to improve this sistuation on their coach?Thanks.

In working with ex-CN coaches bought from VIA Rail, we re-used two approaches found on these cars. Many VIA cars have expanded-metal steps, which is probably the best approach to the slipperiness problem. These steps have great grip, shed water and cinders, and don't rust. On cars with deteriorated original slippery rubber treads, we used cast-rubber-on-steel manufactured bus steps, bought from a transit-flooring supplier. These have a slightly-raised lip in a contrasting color (although the colored edges faded in sunlight after a while). The edges of steel steps should be painted a bright color for visibility.The colored step edges are only a partial solution to the fact that the width and rise of most coach steps is smaller than modern building standards that people are used to. Building inspectors are very fussy about these dimensions on new construction. The short steps are too narrow to accommodate most people's shoes, and the short rise catches people by surprise. We learned to watch people's feet very carefully as passengers descend the steps after a ride, and be prepared to field falling riders, a dicey proposition with a 200-lb. passenger coming down the steps with a video camera and a 2-year-old in his hands.I believe it's worth cutting out the steps and installing new, expanded-metal step treads at a larger rise and pitch, provided that the original 4 steps can be replaced with 3 steps that are not too tall. We have a C&O heavyweight car with 3 steps that seem to be about right. It doesn't cost much to get these formed up at a local fabricating shop if you don't have a sheet-metal brake.Another approach for operators not stopping at permanent stations is to build a portable 3-or-4-foot square "station platform" that can go under the step box to bring it closer to the bottom car step.Aarne H. Frobom

Possibly an interim (and cheap?) solution to consider-in my Navy days, we would requisition boxes of non-skid strips to go on ship ladders. It's basically like an asphalt shingle on one side, with adhesive on the other.

At Tweetsie we used to have oak boards for our steps. In 2000, we changed them out for metal diamond tread steps. We also painted them and put sand in the paint to give them added traction. Since the we had no accidents with such a simple yet cheap way to increase safety. Tim