[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

The Star Trek Transporter 'room'.

Is it necessary? Why is it that they can transport someone from say the surface of a planet directly to sick bay, or the bridge yet when they receive someone or go somewhere they tend to have them in that room where they need to stand on that circle thinggo?

It's complicated but there is an answer.
Earlier ships had to use the pad as the transporter used a narrow path through the ship's hull to beam through. Bit like an elevator to the outside of the ship, then beamed further from there.

Later ships could beam into and out of everywhere.