Urbanization promotes the development of the subway system, and the particulate matter (PM) concentrations inside have received increasing attention. This study first measured the dynamic PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentrations in a metro carriage in Chengdu and explored the dominant influencing factors. The personal inhalation intakes of different routes were evaluated. The results showed that the in-carriage PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentrations ranged from 11 to 74 μg/m³ (mean: 36.7 μg/m³) and 13 to 89 μg/m³ (mean: 40.1 μg/m³), respectively. When the train passed from the overground to underground, the in-carriage PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentrations increased by 30.4% and 32.9%, respectively. No specific linear relationship between passenger number and in-carriage PM concentrations was found. In-carriage PM concentrations decreased after the carriage doors were opened on the platforms. PM_2.5 inhalation intakes ranged from 1.08 to 9.52, with a mean of 4.24 µg. For the passengers with the same age and sex, the average inhaled PM_2.5 intake in the metro carriage on the route with more underground platforms was higher. This study not only revealed the PM characteristics in the Chengdu metro system for the first time, but also provided guidelines for reducing the in-carriage PM concentrations to build a healthier travel environment.

Metro carriages, as enclosed transport microenvironments, have been understudied regarding pollution characteristics and health risks from ACs, especially during high-temperature summers that amplify exposure. This study applied NTS techniques for the first time across three major Chengdu metro lines, systematically identifying sixteen ACs, including hazardous species such as acetophenone, benzonitrile, and benzoic acid that are often overlooked in conventional BTEX-focused monitoring. The TAC concentration reached 41.40 ± 5.20 µg/m³, with half of the compounds exhibiting significant increases during peak commuting periods. Source apportionment using diagnostic ratios and PMF identified five major contributors: carriage material emissions (36.62%), human sources (22.50%), traffic exhaust infiltration (16.67%), organic solvents (16.55%), and industrial emissions (7.66%). Although both non-cancer (HI) and cancer (TCR) risks for all population groups were below international thresholds, summer tourists experienced higher exposure than daily commuters. Notably, child tourists showed the greatest vulnerability, with a TCR of 5.83 × 10⁻⁷, far exceeding that of commuting children (1.88 × 10⁻⁷). Benzene was the dominant contributor, accounting for over 50% of HI and 70% of TCR. This study presents the first integrated NTS and quantitative risk assessment to characterise ACs in summer metro environments, revealing a broader range of hazardous compounds beyond BTEX. It quantifies population-specific risks, highlights children’s heightened vulnerability. The findings fill critical gaps in ACs exposure and provide a scientific basis for improved air quality management and pollution mitigation strategies in urban rail transit systems.