Abstract: An elevator car with an extended refuge area is disclosed. The elevator car has a top surface with an opening, and a refuge area structure with a first hinge, a first panel, a second hinge, and a second panel. The first hinge is coupled to the right side of the opening. The right side of the first panel is connected to the first hinge. The left side of the first panel is coupled to the second hinge. The second panel has its right side coupled to the second hinge. The left side of the second panel rests on the left side of the opening in the top surface of the elevator car.

Abstract: The systems and methods of present invention invoke an elevator communication system for providing communication between a plurality of hall fixture devices and at least one elevator system controller. The elevator communication system comprises at least one elevator door interlock wiring circuit, which has a first and a second portion. A first transceiver device is coupled to the first portion of the door interlock wiring for transmitting and receiving signals between the at least one elevator system controller and the plurality of hall fixture devices over the interlock wiring. A second transceiver device is coupled to the second portion of the door interlock wiring for transmitting and receiving the signals between the at least one elevator system controller and the plurality of hall fixture devices over the interlock wiring.