Violence on German trains increases as attacks on railway employees rise in 2023

Violence on German trains has escalated significantly in 2023, with a troubling rise in assaults against railway employees. A recent case involved the sentencing of a 24-year-old man to 10 years in prison for the fatal attack on 36-year-old train conductor Serkan Calar during a ticket inspection in Rhineland-Palatinate. This incident reflects a broader trend of increasing aggression towards public transport staff across the country.

Rising Incidents of Violence on German Railways

According to figures from the Interior Ministry, in the first five months of 2023, there were 1,630 reported criminal offenses against railway employees and 4,672 against federal police officers. This marks a substantial increase from the previous year, where an average of five physical attacks on railway workers occurred daily. This year, that number has surged to eight attacks per day.

Leon Walter, a violence researcher at Bielefeld University, attributes this rise in aggression to societal stress levels. He stated, "These trends are consistent with what people in the healthcare system, the fire department, and the police are saying: they all report an increase in hostility." The enclosed nature of trains often exacerbates tensions, making it difficult for individuals to escape confrontations.

Measures Taken by Deutsche Bahn to Enhance Safety

In response to the growing violence, Deutsche Bahn is implementing several measures to improve safety for its employees. This includes equipping train conductors and other customer-facing staff with body cameras, which are believed to deter violent behavior and provide evidence in case of assaults. Evelyn Palla, head of Deutsche Bahn, emphasized the need for such initiatives following the tragic incident involving Calar.

Additionally, the company plans to hire 200 more security personnel and enhance emergency response systems. These actions are part of the Action Plan for Greater Safety on the Rails, aimed at creating a safer environment for both employees and passengers.

Training and Support for Railway Employees

Experts like Walter stress the importance of proper training for railway staff in conflict resolution. He suggests that conductors should be trained to handle situations without physical contact, stating, "a passenger should never be touched or restrained." This is crucial for minimizing the risk of escalation during ticket checks.

Moreover, many railway employees feel unsupported when dealing with aggressive passengers. Walter points out that this lack of support contributes to the reluctance of some workers to remain in their positions. As the situation continues to evolve, it is vital for both railway companies and lawmakers to prioritize employee safety in public transport.