An increasing level of aggression on trains and in buses is threatening a mass exodus of staff from Deutsche Bahn. A recent survey by the railway union EVG reveals that almost one in three employees is considering resigning.
The survey, which reached more than 4,000 members, cites a rise in insecurity and violence as the main reason for this consideration. In fact, two‑thirds of respondents say they feel increasingly unsafe at work, and half have already experienced a physical assault. Employees who deal directly with customers reported that 85 % have been subjected to insults, harassment or even threats.
Kristian Loroch, the deputy chair of the EVG, warned that “the spiral of violence is shaking the whole system”. He noted that the high number of staff contemplating leaving could not be compensated for by any company. “The railway and politics must finally take control of the problem, or trains and buses could soon be stranded because of a lack of personnel”.
The survey’s findings support a long‑term trend that culminated in the fatal attack on 36‑year‑old conductor Serkan C. Between 2014 and 2023, reports of bodily harm rose from 1,500 to more than 3,000 incidents per year, more than doubling the figure.
Employees are calling for concrete measures: a greater number of double crews on trains, additional security staff, and the presence of the federal police on high‑risk routes-61 % of respondents demand this. Bus drivers, also represented by the EVG, are particularly insistent on safety upgrades. Nine out of ten drivers urgently request emergency‑call options, better protected areas, and video surveillance.