KVB takes measures for more security and cleanliness in Cologne!

KVB Cologne plans to improve security and cleanliness in subway stations in the face of increasing complaints.
KVB Cologne plans to improve security and cleanliness in subway stations in the face of increasing complaints. (Symbolbild/MK)

KVB takes measures for more security and cleanliness in Cologne!

Köln, Deutschland - The Cologne Verkehrsbetriebe (KVB) take safety and cleanliness seriously in their public transport. In view of the increased symptoms of personnel and passengers, they have put together a comprehensive package of measures that specifically deal with the challenges of homelessness and drug addiction. According to the current report of WDR , the use of permanent teams at the stations is a central component of the new strategy. These teams should act as contact persons and intensify cooperation with street workers.

The situation at the stops and in the subway stations is particularly worrying. Many homeless people are looking for protection there and leave not only garbage, but also faeces, which significantly reduces the quality of 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 KVB states in its package of measures.

measures for more security and cleanliness

It is new that the KVB wants to carry out the cleaning of its stations at shorter intervals, including with new cleaning agents. The goal is to improve the conditions for all users and a safe operation at the stops and in the vehicles. In addition, KVB plans a shuttle service for emergency sleeping sites and the support of a cold bus to help homeless in critical situations, such as a supplementary report by Report-k

This should significantly improve the framework conditions in and around Cologne transport companies. There will be a test phase for closing the station at Appellhofplatz, which is scheduled to start this year. KVB apparently sees the current situation as a problem for society as a whole and hopes for support from politics. The perspective that public space should serve all people is also through the findings of experts such as Prof. Dr. Frank Eckardt emphasized that illuminates the important role of public spaces in social integration. According to a contribution by Böll , those without a permanent residence are dependent on public rooms such as sleep and security.

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

With its new package of measures, KVB not only want to ensure cleanliness and security, but also want to set an example for more humanity and social responsibility. The fear of contact between the different realities of life should be dismantled to promote an integrative urban society. This remains a long -term undertaking that requires the courage and support of all Cologneers.

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OrtKöln, Deutschland
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