The boarding time at stations has a strong impact on punctuality. This is relevant for energy efficiency because delays reduce the potential for energy efficient driving.

There are several conceivable causes for delayed departure at a station:

1. "Internal" railway reasons
2. High passenger numbers leaving or entering the train
3. Passengers looking for the "right" car (according to their seat reservation)

An investigation carried out by DSB showed that delayed boarding at stations is one of the key factors for train delays. Furthermore, DSB found out, that passengers looking for their car is one of the main causes for boarding delays. This problem can be effectively reduced by better platform information indicating the exact position of the individual cars.

The Danish TRIT system

At DSB, this (among other reasons) led to the introduction of the TRIT system. It involves electronic boards at platforms displaying information on the exact stopping position of all cars. This information allows passengers to find their car before the arrival of the train. This is expected to be more effective and have higher acceptance than the usual permanent information on car positions displayed on special plans at the station.

The TRIT system is a modern telematics system which allows for flexible and highly automated train formation processes. Each train has an on-board unit with updated information on the train configuration and door numbers. This information is sent to a central computer which then provides all stations with the relevant information to be displayed on the electronic information boards (train constellation and position of numbered cars and doors as well as the corrected arrival time in case of delay).

In contrast to permanent information on the stopping positions of passenger coaches, an electronic on-line information system can be adapted to varying train length, train configurations etc. This creates more flexibility in the formation of trains and facilitates a stronger adaptation of train length to actual demand.

Improved punctuality

At DSB, a study revealed that average standing times at stations are 2-3 minutes. The company expects to reduce this figure by an average of one minute by the introduction of the TRIT information system.