Protest against savings on train attendants

The German Train Drivers' Union (GDL) is mobilizing against planned cuts to train attendants in the Upper Elbe Transport Association (VVO) and the Vogtlandbahn network. According to the GDL, DB Regio and the VVO no longer want 80 percent of trains to be accompanied by customer service staff from December next year. "As a result, around 50 colleagues will lose their jobs and train drivers will drive four out of five trains alone in future," it said.

GDL: "Safety on the train will continue to erode."

The Central Saxony Transport Association is planning to run three quarters of trains on the Vogtland railway network without train attendants from December 2029, which will result in the loss of a further 40 jobs, the GDL also announced. Passengers would then no longer have anyone to contact in the event of disruptions, delays or emergencies. With fewer checks, the companies would have less income due to more lost fares. "Safety on the train will continue to erode."

Union also fears consequences for the punctuality of trains

The GDL also fears consequences for the punctuality of trains. "If there is no longer a train attendant on the train, the train driver has sole responsibility, for example, for up to 170 passengers per double-decker carriage, up to 12 bicycles and a maximum of four wheelchairs for people with reduced mobility. The train driver has to replace the missing train attendant, which means that delays are inevitable," warns the union. So far, almost all trains in Saxony have been manned by a train attendant.

DB Regio and VVO indirectly confirm plans for cuts

The VVO and DB Regio confirmed plans for savings without giving any figures. "Due to the increased costs for the new S-Bahn contract and the fact that funding is not increasing to the same extent, the Verkehrsverbund Oberelbe (VVO) has to think about possible savings," the association said in response to an inquiry. DB Regio has been asked for a concept. "It is being considered to staff fewer trains on the S-Bahn with customer advisors in future."

"However, in order to fulfill the service functions and the passengers' sense of safety, even more staff could be required, especially on individual journeys with a high proportion of tourists or at off-peak times at weekends," said the VVO. In order to allow people with reduced mobility unhindered access to the S-Bahn, technical adjustments are required. This is not expected to happen until mid-2030 at the earliest. With regard to the currently employed customer advisors, a socially acceptable solution is to be found.

DB speaks of lower staffing ratios on certain lines

DB Regio is currently examining the deployment concept for customer advisors in local transport for the Dresden S-Bahn from the end of 2027/beginning of 2028. "This involves both lower staffing ratios on certain lines and more staffing, for example in peripheral locations or in seasonal services." Employees will be informed of the current status shortly.