Deutsche Bahn action programme for train stations targets safety

Deutsche Bahn action programme for train stations is now underway, aiming to improve safety and cleanliness at railway stations across Germany, starting with 25 locations.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The launch was presented at Berlin Central Station by DB chief executive Evelyn Palla and Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder, as outlined by Deutsche Bahn’s newsroom.

The programme fits within the Federal Government’s agenda to raise customer satisfaction on the railways, including an emphasis on measures that can be delivered quickly, as described in the Federal Ministry of Transport agenda for rail customer satisfaction. In practice, DB is focusing on steps it says can be rolled out without delay: increased security presence, additional cleaning, and faster repairs at stations. More stations are expected to be added over the course of the year.

Don’t miss…HS2 Chiltern tunnel completed with sonic boom protection

Funding and security measures

In 2026, around €50 million in additional funding has been allocated for safety and cleanliness at German train stations. The package includes more security staff, a wider rollout of video surveillance in cooperation with the Federal Police, and more frequent cleaning. DB says around 11,000 cameras are already in operation at German train stations, with further installations planned.

Patrick Schnieder said the agenda is intended to improve the railway experience, while acknowledging that major efforts such as network modernisation take time. At the same time, he argued that station cleanliness and safety can be improved immediately, and called for swift action where people do not feel secure.

Additional security patrols are scheduled for several major stations, including Mainz, Mannheim and Hamburg. The programme also comes with a prevention campaign aimed at encouraging respectful behaviour towards staff and responsible use of station facilities.

Cleanliness drive and spring cleaning campaign

Alongside routine cleaning, DB plans to significantly expand its annual spring cleaning campaign. In 2026, spring cleaning is planned at around 1,400 stations—double the number covered the previous year. The list includes large urban hubs as well as smaller rural stations such as Bitterfeld, Greifswald and Remagen.

Work will focus on platforms, stairways, tunnels, lifts, glass surfaces, ticket machines, furniture and signage, and it will also cover the removal of graffiti and chewing gum. Local authorities and station tenants are expected to support the effort at some locations.

Faster repairs with mobile maintenance teams

To speed up small fixes, Deutsche Bahn is introducing mobile maintenance teams to handle minor repairs more quickly. Their tasks include replacing broken glass, repainting walls affected by graffiti, and repairing display cases. DB says the approach has already been tested in a pilot project and that recruitment of maintenance staff is now underway across Germany.

Evelyn Palla said first impressions matter and described stations as DB’s calling card. She said the measures are intended to help customers feel welcome and safe, and that passengers should see rapid improvements. However, she noted that punctuality will remain a challenge in 2026 because of extensive construction work underway, as also reported by Railway-News.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: