Today, passenger exchange of trains is mostly insufficient. The most important factor determining exchange times is passenger behaviour which is influenced by traveller characteristics, like age and / or mobility constrictions, the amount of luggage and finally the vehicle's design. On days with high passenger–frequencies prolonged passenger exchange time results in extensive stop–over time. This leads to delays, which can also influence other trains and therefore cause further delays. Any delay reduces customer satisfaction, which, on the other hand, shifts modal split to the disadvantage of public transport.
An extensive investigation at the Institute for Railway Engineering at Vienna University of Technology analyses exactly passenger exchange times and intends to demonstrate potential for improvement.

passenger exchange, customer satisfaction, dwell time, railway interiors