Deutsche Bahn and German Federal Police Open Security Lab in Berlin Station

Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the German Federal Police have opened a security laboratory at Berlin Südkreuz station, where they will research and test new safety and security technology and services.

The new solutions include an app called SafeNow and illuminated platform edges. The latter will not only increase safety, but also improve passenger flow.

Luminous platform edge at Berlin Südkreuz station.
Luminous platform edge at Berlin Südkreuz station.

The luminous platform edge will be trialled on platform 1 for the next 12 months. This light guide system is an LED strip that shows travellers the way, warns of incoming trains and ensures the necessary distance is kept from the platform edge.

In the future, it could also be used to highlight where carriage doors will open, enabling passengers to board more quickly and at the right spot on the platform.

The new SafeNow app lets users call for help quickly and inconspicuously without having to make a phone call. They simply press a button within the app, which triggers an alarm at the security laboratory.

The partners also plan to modernise and expand the use of video technology in stations and have begun a scientific study into how software could help identify potentially dangerous situations, such as people on the track or abandoned luggage.

Dr Richard Lutz, CEO of Deutsche Bahn, said:

“Safety is a basic requirement for travel: only those who feel safe on trains and at stations use the train. Berlin Südkreuz train station is our place for innovations: today we’re testing what could become standard tomorrow in terms of security at our train stations.”

The partners have now also signed an agreement with the German railway station mission (Bahnhofsmission) to further expand co-operation on railway station safety and security.

One of their first plans is to provide new DB employees with training that will help them to identify and solve potential conflict situations before they escalate.

Dr Richard Lutz, CEO of Deutsche Bahn, said:

“Despite all the technology, the focus is always on people. That’s why we are significantly expanding the tried-and-tested co-operation with the railway station missions.

“Our clear goal: safety for rail passengers and DB employees.”

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