"Safe on the go" in the train - videos are intended to inform - Munich's Safe Travels campaign tackles transport safety—but misses key groups

Munich has launched a new safety campaign called Safe Travels to address concerns on its public transport network. The initiative involves videos in subway and commuter trains, teaching passengers how to respond in emergencies. Authorities, including Deutsche Bahn, MVG, and local police, are working together on the project.

However, the campaign has already faced criticism for not clearly targeting the groups most affected by safety issues.

The campaign comes after a 2025 study by the Munich City Youth Council revealed that only 26% of young women feel safe waiting at stops at night. Additionally, 28% reported experiencing sexual harassment on public transport. MVG CEO Ingo Wortmann also noted a rise in disrespect and aggression among passengers.

Munich's transport system is already under heavy surveillance, with 15,000 cameras monitoring stations and trains. Emergency call points are also installed along platforms. Police in the city aim to respond to urgent incidents within an average of four minutes. Despite these measures, Theresa Baum of the Munich City Youth Council criticised the campaign's videos for failing to directly address vulnerable groups. Meanwhile, crime statistics suggest that subways and commuter trains are no less safe than other parts of the city. Germany has around 5.2 million surveillance cameras nationwide, though this figure includes all types, not just those in public transport. Exact numbers for transport-specific cameras remain unclear, as broader security monitoring takes priority over transport alone.

The Safe Travels campaign will continue using videos and existing security infrastructure to improve passenger confidence. While concerns persist, particularly among young women, authorities maintain that public transport remains as safe as other urban areas. The effectiveness of the campaign will depend on how well it addresses the needs of those most at risk.