This report presents the findings of a research program designed to: a) evaluate current door observation practices and procedures and assess how they relate to transit property characteristics, such as facilities, vehicle configurations, and operating procedures; b) identify the range and scope of existing observation aids and assess their merits relative to their specific applications; c) identify promising observation technologies and define conceptual observation aids based on them; and d) develop guidelines for transit system use in the selection and implementation of observation aids for their specific application.

Investigates and quantifies the variables that affect the maximum passenger carrying capacity of rail transit in four categories-- rail rapid transit (heavy rail), light rail transit, commuter rail, and automated guideway transit (AGT)--in North America.