"Safety is not guaranteed on any route, at any time" - German train attendants face rising violence and fear for their lives
Train attendants in Germany are facing rising levels of violence and abuse from passengers. Many now describe their daily work as unpredictable and dangerous, with incidents of physical and verbal assault becoming more common. The fatal attack on a colleague has left some questioning their safety and the basic decency of travellers.
Konstanze Alba, a train attendant with nearly 40 years of experience, has endured repeated acts of aggression. She recalls having a knife held to her face, being spat on, and even physically struck. Some incidents, she says, linger in her memory for years.
Michaela Kettner, another attendant, views the fatal attack on their colleague Serkan Çalar as the worst possible outcome of a growing problem. Both women now compare their shifts to 'playing Russian roulette,' unsure of what they might face next. Many staff have stopped conducting ticket checks at night, fearing for their safety.
Verbal abuse is also widespread, with attendants frequently subjected to sexist insults and general disrespect. Reports of physical violence and threats have surged over the past five years, with Deutsche Bahn recording over 1,000 assaults annually in recent times. Bystanders rarely intervene, often too afraid to get involved.
The rise in violence has left many train attendants feeling vulnerable and unsupported. Some now avoid certain tasks to reduce risk, while others struggle with the emotional toll of repeated abuse. The fatal attack on Serkan Çalar remains a stark reminder of the dangers they face daily.
