Security: Upgrading Surveillance on Public Transportation
Increased Surveillance on Public Transportation: Buses, Trains, and Train Stations Now Equipped with Additional Cameras - Enhanced Surveillance in Public Vehicles and Stations: Increasing the Number of Security Cameras
venture into the world of sophisticated security measures in public transportation, as cameras and safety personnel equipped with state-of-the-art body cameras are being progressively deployed in buses, trains, and train stations to curb crime and ensure a secure environment for both personnel and passengers.
guided by a survey conducted by the major transport associations and selected companies, it has been established that the majority of city buses and trams, as well as suburban and regional trains, are already outfitted with surveillance cameras. This trend is expected to continue with retrofitting, ensuring the availability of video technology in all vehicles in the future. Advancements in cloud-based storage and artificial intelligence (AI) are also underway, opening possibilities for quicker data access and earlier detection of potential security threats in trains through AI-assisted analyses.
On board security teams, commonly present in pairs inside trains and stations, are provided with body cameras in addition to their regular equipment. Although there is no mandatory requirement for bus attendants to wear body cameras, certain companies within the rail sector offer their staff the opportunity to use and test them voluntarily.
The recording zones of the surveillance cameras in new buses are expanding to capture the entirety of the bus interior, as highlighted by the Aachen transportation company Aseag. Nearly all buses at the Düsseldorf transportation company Rheinbahn are already equipped with cameras, with the percentage reaching 70% for city and streetcars. New vehicles are typically delivered from the factory with built-in video equipment.
Numerous pilot projects have been launched across the Rhineland to test the effectiveness of body cameras. For instance, the Cologne transportation company (KVB) has increased its inventory of body cameras following a pilot project, now boasting a total of 65 units. The Düsseldorf transportation company Rheinbahn has embarked on a one-year pilot project where 20 employees have been equipped with body cameras, primarily for roles in "ticket inspection" and "security and service" departments.
Body cameras serve as effective conflict de-escalators, helping to reduce assaults and protect both employees and passengers, according to the KVB. In some instances, merely announcing the activation of the body camera can influence behavior changes. Nevertheless, passengers are often perplexed and frequently inquire about permanent filming. In such situations, the teams clarify the conditions for using the body camera to ensure that passengers find the measures positive.
Besides CCTV monitoring and body cameras, overnight surveillance at control centers has been stepped up in Dortmund's transport system. Starting mid-year, staff will respond to all safety-related incidents on the Stadtbahn and coordinate necessary measures, ranging from fires to object protection using video technology.
Incidents of assaults on train staff in North Rhine-Westphalia have witnessed a significant surge, with over 1,300 threats on trains mainly targeting control and security personnel, leading to a 17% increase compared to the previous year. The number of physical injuries has also increased, primarily affecting the same personnel.
Extensive video surveillance has also been expanded, particularly in smaller and medium-sized train stations. A state program for 100 stations is nearing completion, with the remaining three to be equipped this year.
Deep Dive:
- Autonomous Public Transport: recent projects like the KIRA pilot in the Rhein-Main region focus on integrating autonomous vehicles into public transport systems. While these initiatives emphasize autonomous driving technology rather than surveillance, they could potentially include advanced sensors and cameras for navigation and safety.
- Public Transport Innovations: The UITP Summit 2025 in Hamburg highlights advancements in public transport technology, including intelligent mobility and connected driving. Such innovations might encompass enhanced security measures, though specific details about body cameras or video technology are not mentioned.
- Connected Bus Technology: The Connected Bus solution presented at the ÖPNV Zukunftskongress 2025 features real-time GPS tracking and CCTV surveillance, indicating a growing trend toward more integrated and monitored public transport systems in Germany.
These advancements suggest a broader strategy to enhance safety, efficiency, and security in Germany's public transportation networks. In the future, we may witness an increased focus on sophisticated surveillance and advanced technology to create a safer and more secure environment for commuters and staff.
- The increased deployment of body cameras on public transportation staff, such as security personnel and onboard teams, is an effort to reduce crime and ensure a secure environment.
- Body cameras have been found to serve as effective conflict de-escalators, helping to protect both employees and passengers.
- Expanded video surveillance has been a focus, especially in smaller and medium-sized train stations, with a state program nearing completion to equip all 100 stations.
- Beyond CCTV monitoring and body cameras, innovations like autonomous public transportation, connected bus technology, and advancements in public transport technology at events like the UITP Summit 2025 may contribute to enhanced security measures in the future, creating a safer and more secure environment for commuters and staff.
