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Bremen demands bold reforms to combat rising attacks on transport workers

Violence against transport workers is surging—but Bremen's plan could change everything. From weapon bans to live video patrols, here's how they aim to protect staff.

The image shows a poster with a train on the railway track and a few people standing nearby. The...
The image shows a poster with a train on the railway track and a few people standing nearby. The text on the poster reads "The American Jobs Plan Will Expand Affordable Public Transportation".

Bremen demands bold reforms to combat rising attacks on transport workers

Bremen has pushed for stronger measures to improve rail safety after a surge in attacks on public transport staff. Last year alone, over 3,200 physical assaults were recorded across Germany. The city's proposals include clearer roles for authorities, real-time video access for police, and a nationwide ban on weapons in rail facilities.

Senator Özlem Ünsal, responsible for construction, mobility, and urban development, dismissed the idea that digital solutions alone could stop assaults. She argued that cameras and e-tickets fail to prevent violence in real time. Instead, Bremen is calling for a risk-based approach, ensuring more staff and security personnel are present where threats are highest.

The city has also demanded tougher penalties for attacks on transport workers. Alongside this, Bremen wants the federal government to confirm funding for extra conductors and security teams. Another key request is real-time access to onboard video feeds for Federal Police officers, allowing faster responses to incidents. While welcoming a joint action plan for rail safety, Bremen insists on defined responsibilities. The city is also pushing for a uniform ban on knives and weapons in all rail facilities nationwide. Increased Federal Police patrols at stations and on trains form another part of the proposal.

Bremen's demands focus on practical steps rather than technical fixes. The city wants clearer accountability, stronger penalties, and more resources to protect transport staff. If adopted, these measures could reshape rail safety policies across Germany.

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