What does dwell time represent?

Dwell time refers to the duration a train remains stationary at a station, allowing passengers to board and disembark. The concept is crucial for regulating the flow of train movement within a system, as it directly impacts the schedule and frequency of train departures. Therefore, it represents an ideal departure time to ensure that trains are leaving the station in a timely manner, aligning with operational schedules.

In contrast, the total travel time of a train pertains to the time taken from the departure point to the destination and is not specific to the time spent at any given station. The time spent inspecting train mechanics is related to maintenance and operational safety rather than the passenger handling aspects associated with dwell time. Finally, while waiting time for passengers during peak hours can be influenced by dwell time, it doesn’t define dwell time itself.