What does a "passenger manifest" contain?

A passenger manifest serves as an essential document that lists all passengers on board a train. This list not only helps in ensuring the safety and identification of passengers but is also critical in emergency situations where accounting for everyone on the train is necessary. Railway personnel can refer to this manifest to quickly ascertain who is traveling on board, which aids in evacuation procedures or in the event of any incidents that may occur during travel.

While other options address important aspects of railroad operations—such as train schedules that are crucial for time management, maintenance histories that ensure the safety and reliability of the train, and crew member duties that keep operations running smoothly—they do not pertain to the function and purpose of a passenger manifest. The specific focus on passenger identification and safety makes the correct choice the most relevant in this context.