The Police Union (GdP) backs a proposal from Rhineland‑Palatinate Minister‑President Alexander Schweitzer (SPD) to introduce a nationwide, photo‑verified Germany ticket for train travel.

In a statement to the “Rheinische Post” (Tuesday edition), GdP’s federal police chief Andreas Roßkopf noted that many passengers become confused when train staff compare their tickets with identity documents. He suggested that attaching a passport‑style photo to the ticket would eliminate the need for such checks.

Roßkopf warned that the current verification process can trigger verbal confrontations and even physical altercations. He said that the repeated involvement of federal police officers in these identity checks is a concern. “Personalising subscription tickets, especially with a photo, is therefore sensible” he added.