Deutsche Bahn is urging its passengers to show greater respect toward staff and is expanding its security measures by planning to use audio recordings alongside existing Bodycams within its trains.
New posters displayed in stations and on trains carry the message, “The dignity of man is inviolable-even for all in uniform”. The company stated that the goal of this initiative is to curb the increasing number of assaults against railway employees.
During the campaign launch, officials recalled a deadly attack on a train conductor that occurred three months prior. Patrick Schnieder, the Minister of Transport (CDU), stated that he remains “sad and shocked” over the death of Serkan Calar. He emphasized that a “clear signal” is now being sent in response to the rising numbers of insults and attacks, making it clear that the dignity of the human being is inviolable, even when staff members are checking tickets or when the train is delayed. He concluded that “Whoever wears a uniform deserves respect and recognition”.
Evelyn Palla, the head of Bahn, reinforced this message, noting: “Respect is the foundation for safety. With our campaign, we are sending a clear message: violence and abuse have no place with the railway”.
This entire campaign is part of the “Action Plan for More Safety on the Rails” which was adopted at a recent safety summit. Bahn reported that the initial evaluation period of two months has been positive, confirming that approximately 2,000 Bodycams are already deployed company-wide. Furthermore, all railway employees who wish to use one are expected to receive a Bodycam by 2026.
To enhance security, the railway plans to test the use of audio recordings in the third quarter of this year, as these are believed to extend the de-escalating, protective effect of the body cameras. In other operational improvements, DB Regio has also launched a pilot project involving dual staffing in local transport, and over the last twelve months, the company increased its security staff numbers from 4,500 to 5,000 people.