KVB is taking measures for more safety and cleanliness in Cologne!

KVB is taking measures for more safety and cleanliness in Cologne!

The Cologne transport company (KVB) takes safety and cleanliness in its public transport seriously. In view of the increased complaints from staff and passengers, they have put together a comprehensive package of measures that specifically addresses the challenges surrounding homelessness and drug addiction. According to a recent report from WDR The use of permanent teams at the stations is a central part of the new strategy. These teams are intended to act as contact persons and intensify cooperation with street workers.

The situation at bus stops and subway stations is particularly worrying. Many homeless people seek shelter there and leave behind not only garbage but also feces, which significantly reduces the quality of their stay. Some can even be found in niches between tracks and platforms. These circumstances not only endanger the safety of passengers, but also represent a challenge for operational safety, as the KVB states in its package of measures.

Measures for more safety and cleanliness

What is new is that the KVB wants to clean its stations at shorter intervals, including using new cleaning agents. The goal is to improve conditions for all users and ensure safe operation at stops and in vehicles. The KVB is also planning a shuttle service to emergency sleeping places and the support of a cold bus to help homeless people in critical situations, according to a supplementary report by Report-K can be seen.

This is intended to significantly improve the general conditions in and around the Cologne transport company. There will be a test phase for closing the station at Appellhofplatz at night, which is scheduled to start later this year. The KVB apparently sees the current situation as a problem for society as a whole and hopes for support from politicians. The view that public space should serve all people is also supported by the findings of experts such as Prof. Dr. Frank Eckardt emphasized the important role of public spaces in social integration. According to a post by Böll Those without a permanent address in particular rely on public spaces to meet basic needs such as sleep and safety.

But the reality is often different. Public space is increasingly being designed through structural measures in such a way that certain groups of people - including homeless people - are displaced. Defensive architecture and other repression strategies make the problem more invisible and increase the pressure on those affected. These hostile measures, often implemented by city administrations and security forces, give the impression of wanting to create harmonious and clean public spaces, but they also prevent society from recognizing the problem of homelessness.

With their new package of measures, the KVB not only wants to ensure cleanliness and safety, but also set an example for more humanity and social responsibility. The fear of contact between the different realities of life should be reduced in order to promote an integrative urban society. This remains a long-term undertaking that requires the courage and support of all Cologne residents.