Not again. The number of reports from NS employees concerning aggression towards them increased by 30% last year, with nearly a thousand incidents reported.
NS personnel have had to deal with verbal and physical violence, which ranged from being threatened, mistreated, and even to being spat on, reports NOS.
CEO of NS, Wouter Koolmees, makes one clear statement: “l call on everyone: leave my colleagues alone.”
Unacceptable train travellers
Koolmees, says he is “shocked” by the behaviour of some travellers.
Believe it or not, the reports of incidents increased after the removal of the coronavirus restrictions — a common reason to pick fights with personnel during the pandemic. This is believed to be because more passengers are able to travel again.
READ MORE | Train conductor assaulted after asking travellers without masks and tickets to disembark
A spokesperson reported to NOS that, “in and after the corona crisis, we really saw more travellers who have a big mouth and a short fuse.”
The reason for passenger violence has had to do with travellers not addressing train rules and checking their tickets. In some cases, “people who did not have a ticket, resorted to violence,” the spokesperson added.
What is there to be done?
Last year, the NS already took measures to prevent such incidents by providing live camera images of trains on routes. This allowed the NS control room to assist a colleague when needed.
READ MORE | Angry commuters: Dutch train conductors experience aggression
Security guards with dogs have also been deployed at stations in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
While the right to ask for identity verification was already requested by the NS last year, Koolmees calls on the government again. This would allow NS security staff to check the identity of perpetrators of violence and people that cause commotion in public transport.
READ MORE | People are now throwing stones at NS trains (and it’s not exactly helpful)
By having access to the driving license register, NS could quickly determine the identity of someone who does not have any papers with them. This way, “the sooner you know who you’re dealing with, the less quickly a situation can get out of hand,” Koolmees states.
For this to happen, the police need to get involved. We can only hope that times (and people) improve for NS staff.
What do you think about these incidents? Tell us in the comments below!