Increasing violence in regional trains: German railway union sounds the alarm.
Two months ago, a report by the newspaper FOCUS online detailed threats, insults, and knife attacks in regional trains in Thuringia, mainly involving asylum seekers. The situation has not improved; in fact, railway workers report that it has worsened.
Overview of recent incidents
The significant violence issues in East German regional trains recently sparked nationwide concern and prompted political action. In mid-May, FOCUS online covered numerous incidents in Thuringian trains, involving verbal and physical violence against conductors and engineers, including insults, threats, and even knife attacks.
Regularly, staff members are “attacked, spat on, insulted, threatened, or pushed,” reported Steffi Recknagel, 55, head of the Thuringia office of the Railway and Transport Union (EVG).
Increasing aggression in Thuringia
Mario Noack, Thuringia’s EVG chief, stated, “In all of Thuringia, colleagues report assaults and growing aggression from all sectors towards employees,” expressing significant concern over this development. EVG Communications Chief Fabian Weißbarth confirmed that this trend is not confined to Thuringia, noting that incidents are increasing across various companies.
Noack emphasized the need for more security personnel in trains and a double crew on key lines and peak times. He also called for enhanced staffing for federal and state police and widespread police and DB Security presence at stations.
Railway union’s response
Steffi Recknagel highlighted the urgent need for improved safety, noting that the job for railway staff in Thuringia has become “partially life-threatening.” Particularly problematic is the route between Erfurt and Suhl, exacerbated by the Thuringian initial reception center for refugees in Suhl. Many asylum seekers from Syria, Afghanistan, and Turkey travel regularly on this route.
Recknagel described the disruptive behavior of young men from the reception center, often moving in groups and acting aggressively. Passengers who intervene face threats, leading many to avoid involvement to protect themselves.
Impact on railway staff
Recknagel reported that railway staff avoid conflicts, sometimes refusing to check tickets when these groups are present, opting to stay near the driver or lock themselves in their cabins until reaching a safe station. Despite the presence of security personnel in many trains, their numbers are insufficient, and they can often do little more than remove troublemakers at the next stop. These individuals are typically briefly detained and questioned by police before being released, only to reappear and cause further incidents.
Appeals for political action
The situation has led to appeals for intervention, including a four-page letter from the works council of the Süd-Thüringen-Bahn to Thuringian Minister President Bodo Ramelow (Die Linke), describing the security situation on the Erfurt-Suhl-Meiningen route as “dramatic” and “threatening.” The letter blamed asylum seekers from the Suhl reception center for the majority of incidents, noting that these are not isolated cases but almost daily occurrences. Many perpetrators do not have valid tickets and behave aggressively during inspections.
Government response and funding
The Thuringian Ministry of Infrastructure and Agriculture, responsible for transportation, pointed out that security at regional trains is not within its jurisdiction, which lies with the federal police. However, the ministry supports railway companies financially to enhance security on problematic routes, such as Erfurt-Suhl-Meiningen.
The ministry provides funding for private security services to protect train staff and passengers. Currently, Süd-Thüringen-Bahn can staff about 75% of its trains on this route with security personnel. Thuringia has committed to funding additional security measures retroactively from May 2024 until the end of the year, with a budget of approximately 336,000 euros. An evaluation at the end of 2024 will determine if this funding needs to be extended.
The rising violence in regional trains, especially in Thuringia, underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures. The railway union and workers are calling for more robust interventions to ensure the safety of both staff and passengers. As the situation continues to escalate, political and institutional responses will be critical in addressing these severe safety concerns.
