More Assaults on Regional Train Staff Reported

Deutsche Bahn's regional train staff are facing a growing wave of violence, with assaults increasing by 14% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year. The company reported 989 incidents, highlighting a significant rise in aggression against its employees.

These assaults range from simple physical altercations, including pushing, grabbing, and spitting, to more severe forms of violence. Out of the nearly 1,000 reported incidents, 781 were classified as simple bodily harm. More concerningly, 22 employees sustained severe injuries, and tragically, one train conductor died in February following an incident during a ticket inspection.

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Safety on the train is not a fringe issue. It is a fundamental prerequisite for functioning public transport.

In response to the escalating violence, Deutsche Bahn is exploring new security measures. A pilot program is planned to test small, voluntarily used body cameras equipped with audio recording capabilities for train conductors. The company believes that audio recording will not only aid in de-escalating tense situations but also significantly improve the ability to track and prosecute criminal acts.

Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger emphasized the importance of safety, stating, "Safety on the train is not a fringe issue. It is a fundamental prerequisite for functioning public transport." He indicated that discussions are underway within the government to pursue harsher penalties for attacks on train personnel, similar to those already in place for emergency responders. The audio-equipped body camera trial is expected to begin in the Rhein-Neckar-Pfalz region by October 1.

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Fear has no place in our trains.