Sharp action

“Krone” with the police on Vienna’s express trains

The police are on hand to provide support and intervene if the situation escalates.

(Bild: Zwefo)

As passenger aggression is on the rise, the police have been traveling with the conductors several times a month since 2021. Friday morning, the "Krone" was there too.

Friday, 9 o'clock. Three ÖBB ticket inspectors are on the main line between Meidling and Floridsdorf with six police officers from the riot squad and the "Krone".

And right after the first stop, a fare dodger is caught. After failing to find his annual ticket even after ten minutes, he is issued with a payment slip for 136 euros. "If he hands it in later, he only has to pay a processing fee of 10 euros," explains ÖBB employee Bilal.

If the police travel with him, his work is also easier. "You can tell the difference. There's no more lengthy discussions about showing ID, for example," he says. However, more than 90 percent of public transport riders do not cause any problems, and just as many have a valid ticket, emphasizes employee Sandra.

90 percent of passengers show a valid ticket.

(Bild: Krone KREATIV/Zwefo)

No mercy
At the next stop, two tourists are checked. Although they have a ticket, they are not pinched. There is no mercy here either, the fine is imposed despite the discussion.

Drug and immigration checks
The police are primarily deployed on the express train to provide support. However, they also carry out narcotics and immigration checks if there is suspicion. This happens once this morning. "One passenger seemed nervous, but it quickly became clear that it was a medical condition," says the police officer.

Nevertheless, 90 fare dodgers were taken out of circulation and 20 identities were established by the police