Germany’s national railway operator, Deutsche Bahn, has reported a noticeable increase in assaults on its employees, with a roughly 6% rise in physical attacks during 2024.
The update came Friday from Deutsche Bahn CEO Richard Lutz, who stated that approximately 3,300 assaults were recorded last year—about 6% more than the previous year.
“Any form of violence against our staff is absolutely unacceptable,” he stated.
According to Lutz, about half of these incidents involved regional train personnel, while others affected included bus drivers, cleaners, and customer service workers. “Unfortunately, we are a reflection of developments in society,” he added.
In response, the company is expanding the use of body cameras for staff who regularly engage with passengers. “These devices have proven effective for security personnel and train staff,” Lutz said.
Additional safety measures include de-escalation training for employees and emergency alert systems on trains to ensure rapid response in dangerous situations.
The uptick in violence comes during a particularly challenging year for Deutsche Bahn, as the company faces heightened expectations to deliver reliable service during the upcoming summer European Football Championship.
