With growing incidents of aggression on trains and buses, Deutsche Bahn faces a looming mass exodus of staff. A recent survey conducted by the EVG (the railway workers’ union) of more than 4,000 members shows that almost one in three employees is already considering resignation.
The main reason cited was the sharp rise in uncertainty and violence. Two‑thirds of respondents now feel increasingly unsafe at work, and half have already experienced a physical attack. Those working in customer contact reported insults, harassment or even threats in 85 % of cases.
Deputy chair Kristian Loroch warned that the escalating violence is shaking the entire system: “A loss of this magnitude in personnel is something no company can absorb”. He urged both the railway companies and policymakers to tackle the problem decisively, otherwise a bulk of trains and buses could soon become stranded due to staff shortages.
The survey’s findings confirm a long‑standing trend that culminated in the fatal assault of 36‑year‑old conductor Serkan C. Between 2014 and 2023, the number of physical assaults more than doubled, rising from 1,500 to over 3,000 incidents per year.
According to the poll, train staff chiefly demand double staffing on trains and increased security personnel. Sixty‑one percent also call for the presence of the Federal Police on high‑risk routes. Bus drivers, who are also represented by the EVG, express a particularly strong need for safety measures: nine out of ten urge for on‑board emergency buttons, additional protected areas, and video surveillance.
