The German government is poised to escalate penalties for attacks against railway employees, a move signaling a broader effort to address escalating safety concerns and perceptions of disorder within the nation’s public transport system. Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder, of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), condemned threats and physical assaults against rail staff as “highly reprehensible” asserting that the state must demonstrably enforce boundaries and actively discourage such behavior.
Schnieder framed these attacks not as isolated incidents, but as assaults against society as a whole, prompting a comprehensive review of legal frameworks, security personnel empowerment and the visible presence of the Federal Police at railway stations. This assessment highlights a growing political pressure to restore a sense of order and security, particularly amidst concerns over rising crime rates and strained public confidence in key infrastructure.
A new national security strategy, slated for release in January, will prioritize improvements across the rail network, with a particular focus on station environments. The strategy envisions a combination of enhanced staffing, integration of modern technologies and redesigns aimed at minimizing secluded areas – a tacit acknowledgement of the need to address both perceived and actual security risks. Schnieder emphasized the critical importance of passengers feeling safe and comfortable, noting that this is inextricably linked to broader efforts to address issues like homelessness within station precincts, a challenge he readily conceded to be a “societal responsibility” not solely the burden of Deutsche Bahn.
While cautiously optimistic about the early performance of newly appointed Deutsche Bahn CEO Evelyn Palla, Schnieder underscored her commitment to a “fresh start” for the rail giant, highlighting her efforts to decentralize decision-making and expedite internal processes. The stated aim is to improve customer satisfaction and reshape the perception of rail travel, acknowledging “much ground to be made up.
Furthermore, Schnieder defended the ambitious target of achieving 70% punctuality in long-distance rail services by 2029 – a significant reduction from previously proposed and ultimately unrealistic, targets set by the prior railway management. The minister’s admission that current performance barely reaches 60% underscores the scale of the challenge and the potential for political backlash if these goals are not met. The ongoing modernization of 500 stations by 2030 is being presented as a critical component of this recovery.
Addressing the recent and controversial aborted appointment of Dirk Rompf as CEO of DB Infra-GO, Schnieder dismissed the resulting criticism as “excessive” expressing understanding for Rompf’s decision to withdraw his candidacy. He insists the episode has not damaged his working relationship with current DB Infra-GO CEO Philipp Nagl, whom he describes as a “highly skilled specialist” with whom he maintains a collaborative partnership. The incident, however, raises questions about the influence of labor unions – particularly the EVG – and the complexities of navigating political considerations when appointing key leadership figures within critical infrastructure.
The government’s intensified focus on passenger safety and operational efficiency signals a renewed political commitment to revitalize Deutsche Bahn and address persistent concerns about its performance, while also raising broader questions about the balance between security, individual liberties and the role of the state in managing public spaces.