KVB starts security offensive: New measures for Cologne's subway!

KVB starts security offensive: New measures for Cologne's subway!

In Cologne, a security offensive by the Cologne Transport Company (KVB) is on the agenda, which is motivated by increasing complaints about homelessness, drug use and increasingly aggressive behavior towards passengers and employees. The chairwoman of the KVB, Stefanie Haaks, reports that many parents are concerned about the safety of their children. This concern has led the KVB to take concrete measures to improve the situation at the subway stations. From now on, among other things, homeless people will be prevented from sleeping in the wards by waking them up from 5 a.m. and expelling them.

The KVB has also shortened the cleaning intervals at selected stops to ensure greater cleanliness. In addition, new cleaning products are used to meet the high requirements. In order to help homeless people, the KVB is planning a shuttle bus that will transport them to emergency shelters in the evenings. Another innovation is a “warming room” in a KVB bus, which is intended to serve as a retreat where people in need can warm up and be cared for.

Focus on safety and order

A pilot project to close stops between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. will soon be tested at an unnamed stop. The atmosphere at two stops will be improved with music to increase passengers' feeling of safety. The KVB is also introducing a new team concept that combines the areas of passenger control, service and security. From January 1, 2026, so-called “passenger manager” teams will be deployed in six districts.

Mayor Henriette Reker speaks of “increasing neglect” in Cologne and emphasizes the importance of close cooperation between the KVB, the city administration, the police and social institutions. Since December 2023, the Neumarkt and Ebertplatz stops have been patrolled around the clock by an external security service and KVB service employees. This cooperation is already having positive effects: the increased deployment of staff has led to drug dealers withdrawing and homeless people being persuaded to leave the stops. The Rundschau Online describes this as a positive development.

Financing the measures

The KVB has developed a comprehensive security concept called “SOS” (Service, Order, Security), which provides for 38 additional employees. In order to finance these measures in the long term, an annual amount of 2.5 million euros is required. An emergency motion in the main committee of the city of Cologne has already been accepted to support the “KVB SOS” concept. 1.5 million euros from the budget item “Reducing fear spaces” will go towards short-term security measures. However, the KVB points out that the planned recruitment of staff is only possible once financing is secured beyond 2024.

The Report-K has also pointed out the need to take care of cleanliness and safety at stops as well as on buses and trains. Residents, passengers and KVB employees are increasingly complaining about the everyday challenges posed by drug dealers and drug addicts. This worrying development has led to many passengers avoiding stops in the evening and at night.

The KVB is reacting with immediate measures at Ebertplatz and Neumarkt and is determined to ensure the safety of passengers in the long term.

Those interested can find more information about the planned measures in the KVB Blog.