Postural imbalance experience by passengers while standing and walking is a critical issue for the ride safety aboard trains, in that it means a potential hazard of a serious accident such as an injury. This paper gives an overview of the state of the art of our research on ride safety evaluation of train vehicles. The first part describes the acceleration boundary for postural balance while standing and walking against vehicle lateral motions upon passing through turnouts. A possibility of a conversion methodology of safety criteria in both postural conditions is also mentioned. The second part shows a dimensional recommendation of handholds placed on the top corner of the backrests of seats to provide assists to passengers who travel under running trains. The recommended height of handholds is about 120 cm above the floor.

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