In the debate over increased safety on trains, the Union is now proposing access restrictions at stations. “Other countries demonstrate that keeping the platform only accessible with a valid ticket works well and reduces the need for extensive checks” said Union parliamentary group vice‑chair Stephan Stracke (CSU) in an interview with the “Rheinische Post”.
At large stations, he argues, “we must consider appropriate limitations on track access”. At the same time, the transport expert welcomed the initiative of Rhenish‑Palatine Minister-President Alexander Schweitzer (SPD) to add a passport photo to the Deutschlandticket.
“It is a good idea to place a photo on the Deutschlandticket” Stracke added. “The identity checks that are usually required for this ticket seem to be a major cause of aggression towards train staff”. He argued that the de‑escalation potential of a ticket that directly identifies a passenger without significant effort should be taken advantage of.