Abstract
In order to formulate a universal design for supports for standing passengers, a postal survey was conducted to determine passenger standing positions in long seat type commuter trains, the supports they used and their reasons for using them, and the relation of this data to passenger height. 998 responses were obtained from passengers 60 years old or more and 387 responses from those aged 59 or less. The following became clear. As elderly passengers cannot necessarily always get a seat, the needs of elderly passengers must be considered when designing supports. Elderly passengers use stanchions more than younger passengers. Those who were dissatisfied with the height of straps were less than about 155cm in height. Even those who were taller than 175cm tended to be less satisfied with the height of straps.
