KVB announces night-time closures of subway stations!

KVB announces night-time closures of subway stations!

The Cologne Transport Authority (KVB) is facing a significant challenge: from June 6, 2025, it will introduce nighttime closures at many subway stations to combat the increasing problem of homelessness and drug abuse. The subway service will stop between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. as more and more underground stops become refuges for homeless and drug addicts. KVB employees in particular report unacceptable hygienic conditions in these wards, which show a significant increase in feces, urine, syringes and sleeping bags. This has led to groups of 40 to 50 people gathering at Appellhofplatz, further aggravating the security situation. KVB boss Stefanie Haaks even speaks of growing aggressiveness towards passengers and employees and describes this as a problem for society as a whole that must be addressed.

But why the closures at all? This measure is part of a comprehensive security offensive by the transport company, developed in response to increasing complaints about inappropriate behavior in the subway stations. In 2024 alone, 929 bans were issued and hundreds of criminal complaints were filed for trespassing and property damage ksta.de. Mayor Henriette Reker also noticed the “increasing neglect” in the city. In order to meet these challenges, the KVB has now announced increased patrol services in problematic stops such as Neumarkt and Ebertplatz, which have been present around the clock since the beginning of 2024.

Safety and cleanliness measure

Another part of the new strategy includes the introduction of shuttle buses that will take homeless people to emergency shelters. These people should then be expelled from the stops from 5 a.m. The KVB also plans to shorten cleaning intervals and use new cleaning products to improve hygiene standards at the stops, such as Review reported.

A pilot project at two stops will also examine how music could influence passengers' quality of stay and sense of safety. A “warming room” is being tested in a KVB bus to support homeless people in the cold season. Housing first and harm reduction are concepts that need to be addressed in this context, as highlighted in an EU guide on homelessness and drug use. These initiatives aim to not only provide those affected with a roof over their heads, but also to provide access to health and social services, which is necessary to improve their quality of life.

Costs and future plans

However, the implementation of these measures requires significant financial resources. The KVB needs several million euros in support from politicians. A new organizational approach would be required for the areas of passenger safety and service, which would entail costs of over 5 million euros. The daily cleaning of all subway stops alone could cost around another 6 million euros Euda.

The Cologne transport companies not only face the challenge of ensuring safety and cleanliness, but also have to tackle the social conditions. The issue of homelessness and drug abuse is complex and requires interaction between the city, police, health authorities and social institutions. The coming months will show whether the planned measures can actually improve the situation in Cologne subway stations.