Rail & Transit
Bus Occupancy Surveys
Observing passenger load patterns in context.
By SWAT Alliance Editorial Team · Updated 25 August 2026
Insight at a glance
A short visual checklist for better study decisions.
Use the article as a starting point, then confirm the project-specific scope, method, review and output with the delivery team.
Question
What decision should this evidence help someone make?
Scope
Which locations, movements, classes and periods matter?
Review
How will completeness and definitions be checked?
Output
What format will make the result easiest to use?
Short answer
A bus-occupancy survey records agreed passenger-load observations by route, stop, direction or time period.
Define the observation
State whether the output is a load category, estimated passenger count, boarding/alighting event or another approved measure.
Keep service context
Record route, direction, stop, period and any relevant operating condition so observations can be compared without losing context.
Review carefully
Check route labels, period coverage and treatment of standing passengers or partially observed vehicles against the project rule.
Frequently asked questions
Can occupancy use categories instead of exact passengers?
Yes, when the project defines the categories and the source can apply them consistently.
Can it be collected from video?
Potentially, where the source and privacy handling support the requested observation.
Go deeper
Traffic Data Validation & Quality Control Methodology
A documented review framework for traffic data before it is delivered or relied upon.
View Methodology →Related services