(de-news.net) – In an effort to enhance passenger safety and curb fraudulent use within Germany’s rail network, Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) has signaled openness to introducing a photo requirement for the Deutschlandticket. In remarks cited by the Rheinische Post, Schnieder explained that the federal states were exploring measures to increase the ticket’s resilience against misuse and unauthorized transfer. Among the options under consideration is the addition of a passport-style photograph to personalize the subscription-based pass. The proposal is expected to be discussed at the forthcoming Transport Ministers’ Conference scheduled for late March. At the same time, Schnieder emphasized the constitutional division of responsibilities, underscoring that the Länder retain primary authority over the ticket’s design and any efforts toward nationwide standardization. He further drew attention to operational challenges faced by onboard personnel, noting—based on discussions with railway employees and representatives from DB Regio—that identity checks conducted during journeys frequently create delicate, and at times conflict-prone, situations. These interactions, he suggested, place additional strain on staff and can escalate unnecessarily in crowded or tense environments.
Schweitzer’s proposal seen as a way to reduce conflict on trains
A standardized national ticket incorporating a photographic identifier was previously advocated by Alexander Schweitzer (SPD), Minister-President of Rhineland-Palatinate and current Chair of the Conference of Minister-Presidents. In televised remarks, Schweitzer had argued that embedding a photo directly on the ticket would simplify verification procedures by eliminating the routine need for separate identity document checks. According to his assessment, a visually uniform, photograph-bearing ticket could be introduced swiftly and at relatively low cost, thereby balancing administrative efficiency with enhanced security. His proposal has been framed in the broader context of heightened public safety concerns following the fatal attack on a train conductor in early February, an incident that intensified scrutiny of onboard enforcement conditions. The issue is expected to feature prominently on the agenda of the upcoming Minister-Presidents’ Conference in early March, where state leaders will evaluate both the legal and logistical implications of such a reform.
Schweitzer’s proposal has garnered support from the German Police Union (GdP), particularly from its Federal Police division. Andreas Roßkopf, chair of the section, stated that identity verification processes often provoke frustration among passengers and can escalate into verbal disputes or even physical altercations, necessitating intervention by federal police officers. He contended that incorporating photographs into personalized subscription tickets would substantially reduce the need for repeated document comparisons, thereby enhancing employee safety and lowering operational friction. In this framing, the proposed reform is presented not only as an anti-fraud measure but also as a structural adjustment aimed at improving working conditions and reducing the risk of confrontation within Germany’s public transportation system.
Citing research indicating that identity verification procedures can generate resentment among passengers and contribute to escalating confrontations, Schnieder has additionally proposed reducing the overall frequency of routine checks. He suggested shifting toward a system of randomized spot inspections, comparable to practices employed in major metropolitan rapid transit networks, as a means of maintaining oversight while mitigating tension. Such an approach, in his view, could preserve deterrence against misuse without institutionalizing frequent direct confrontations between staff and travelers.
