Work out transit load factor instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Load factor can be measured against seats or against total capacity including standing, and the two tell different stories. A factor above one on seats simply means some passengers stand, which is normal on urban services. A factor approaching one on total capacity means crush loading, at which reliability and dwell times deteriorate sharply.
Load factors
Seat load factor = passengers / seats; total load factor = passengers / (seats + standing capacity)
Seat load factor = passengers / seats; total load factor = passengers / (seats + standing capacity). Load factor can be measured against seats or against total capacity including standing, and the two tell different stories.
Urban peak services commonly plan for 0.8 to 0.9 of total capacity, while interurban and rail services with long journey times plan for a seat for every passenger.
This calculator takes 3 inputs: Passengers carried, Seats offered, Standing capacity offered. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic worked example — replace them with your own site or project figures.