In the discussion about improving safety on trains, the Union has begun to consider restricting access to station platforms. “Other countries show us that access to the tracks works well only when a valid ticket is presented and that a certain level of checks can be dispensed with” said Stephan Stracke, vice‑chair of the Union caucus (CSU), in an interview with the “Rheinische Post” Tuesday edition.
At major stations, he argues, it is time to rethink limits on platform access. The same transport expert welcomed the proposal by Rhineland‑Palatinate’s Minister‑President Alexander Schweitzer (SPD) to add a passport photo to the Deutschlandticket.
“Having a photo on the Deutschlandticket is a solid step” Stracke said. He added that the identity checks normally required for this ticket appear to be a major trigger for aggression toward train staff. “The de‑escalation potential inherent in a ticket that provides direct identification with minimal effort should be exploited”.
