Why are time tables often arranged for local and express trains to arrive at the same time?

Timetables are often arranged for local and express trains to arrive at the same time primarily to afford passengers an opportunity to change trains. This coordination facilitates seamless travel for passengers who may need to transfer from one service to another, ensuring that they can efficiently connect to their final destinations without excessive waiting times. When local and express trains share the same schedule, it enhances the overall passenger experience, improving connectivity across the network.

Maximizing station efficiency and minimizing delays are important considerations in timetable planning, but the central focus of synchronized arrivals is primarily to support passenger transfers. The presence of maintenance crews and their scheduling is essential for train operations, but their timing is generally planned independently of passenger service schedules. Thus, the primary aim of coordinating the schedules is to optimize the convenience and ease of travel for passengers.