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A contribution by Sophia Miltenberger for the project “What’s going on there?!” by students at h_da
Public transport should be accessible and safe for everyone. However, even in Darmstadt, women and queer people report that they remain vigilant on buses and trains, even in broad daylight.
Often, it's not an immediate threat, but rather unpleasant incidents. Someone sits too close, starts a conversation despite wearing headphones, or won't stop staring. Too often, strangers at train stations or bus stops violate personal space or continue to approach despite clear signals.
Such experiences are usually not criminally relevant, yet they leave their mark. That's why the HeinerLiner was an alternative for many. However, since February, the HEAG mobilo shuttle service has only been running in the evenings, at night, and on weekends. The reason for this is the tight budget. "It was important to us to maintain a service despite everything," explains Paul Georg Wandrey (CDU), the city's head of mobility.
Security on paper – insecurity in everyday life
But is that enough? According to police crime statistics in Hesse, Darmstadt is not considered particularly dangerous. The South Hesse Police Headquarters also stated upon inquiry that, from the police's perspective, public transport in Darmstadt is not a crime hotspot, even though crimes do occur there from time to time.
But statistics don't tell the whole story. If you ask women or queer people, stories of boundary violations are not uncommon. Even the police admit: "The subjective feeling of safety is usually not reflected in the objective figures. Headlines about harassment or violence often lead to insecurity – even if the actual risk is usually overestimated."
“I’m not trying to spread panic,” says Lara (20), a social work student at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences. “But public spaces aren’t equally safe for everyone. And you can feel that even in broad daylight. I often use the HeinerLiner at night, especially since I experienced two situations at Luisenplatz where I was genuinely scared. But even during the day, it was reassuring to know that I could call the HeinerLiner if I was unsure. I miss that.”
New measures – and new fears?
In mid-March, the city launched the "Safe City Center" emergency program. It includes increased police patrols and a weapons and knife-free zone on public transportation. These measures are intended to improve safety. However, they also make crime more visible. "High-traffic areas such as Luisenplatz offer more opportunities for crimes to be committed due to the larger number of people , explains a spokesperson for the police headquarters. Reports of switchblades on trains and drug finds at bus stops are isolated incidents, but they add up in the public perception. Those who already feel uneasy are more likely to find confirmation of their fears than reassurance in such news.
„“I think it’s important that the HeinerLiner exists – even if I don’t use it myself,” says Samuel (26), an engineering student at TU Darmstadt. “I’m tall and strong, I rarely feel threatened. But when I think about my girlfriend, I wish she could use the HeinerLiner during the day too. I’ve often seen women being harassed on the train.”
Mobility with limitations
Of course, in many large cities women travel by bus and train – and arrive safely. But it's equally true that many consciously avoid public transport. Those who can, get picked up, take detours, or plan their activities so that they are home before nightfall.
It's especially difficult for those who have moved to a new city for studies or vocational training. Without the proximity of family and long-time friends, a safety net is missing. Those who have no one to contact in an emergency prefer to avoid potential risks. For many young women, this means canceling spontaneous get-togethers or simply not going out in the evenings. Not because it's always dangerous, but because they simply don't want to take the risk.
The HeinerLiner was also an important part of everyday life for people with physical disabilities. Some vehicles were specially converted for wheelchair access in 2022. Furthermore, the virtual stops were often closer than the regular bus stops. Since there is currently no accessible taxi service in Darmstadt, the shuttle was the only flexible way for many to get around independently during the day.
Alternatives?
A taxi? For many, unaffordable – especially for regular use. Those who still want to remain flexible can use services like Uber. The app displays drivers with ratings and vehicle type. You know who's picking you up. And if you're flexible, you can often find cheaper fares using the saver option.
The police also offer tips for greater safety: “On public transport, sit near the drivers or in a vehicle with many people. If you are harassed, speak up, draw attention to yourself – and ask for help directly.”
Security requires structures that cater to diverse realities. That's why the HeinerLiner is missed by many.
Sources:
Featured image photo: HEAG Mobilo
Press office of the South Hesse Police Headquarters
www.heagmobilo.de/pressemeldungen
www.presseportal.de/blaulicht/r/Darmstadt
This article was made as part of the project "What's going on" - a teaching editorial team of students from the online journalism course at the Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (H_DA). Da.news supports the project and publishes selected articles on its platform. Further information and texts are available here and on: www.was-da-los.de
