How do conductors monitor passenger counts during a trip?

Conductors monitor passenger counts during a trip primarily by checking tickets and conducting assessments at each stop. This method allows conductors to have an accurate and up-to-date count of passengers on board. By verifying tickets during the journey, conductors can identify who has boarded and ensure that the train is operating within capacity limits. Additionally, conducting assessments at each stop allows them to account for any new passengers boarding or others disembarking, maintaining an accurate count throughout the trip.

This approach is crucial for safety, operational efficiency, and compliance with regulations, as it ensures the train is not overcrowded and enables proper service to all passengers. Utilizing ticket checks provides a reliable and systematic way of maintaining passenger records, whereas the other methods mentioned do not provide the same level of accuracy or thoroughness. For instance, asking randomly does not guarantee an accurate count, counting only at the beginning fails to account for fluctuations during the journey, and video surveillance may not effectively track passengers who do not pass in front of cameras or may not provide real-time data for ticket validation.