"HVV introduces a campaign promoting civil bravery; chief shares extraordinary animal advice"
In a bid to enhance passenger safety, the Hamburg Verkehrsbetriebe (HVV) has launched a new campaign, urging passengers to be more aware of their surroundings and intervene in dangerous situations. The initiative, spearheaded by HVV CEO Anna-Theresa Korbutt and Transport Senator Anjes Tjarks (Greens), aims to foster a sense of community and collective responsibility.
The campaign encourages passengers to stay vigilant and avoid distractions such as staring at their phones or isolating themselves with large headphones. These behaviours can hinder awareness of potential threats, making it difficult to respond effectively in emergencies.
HVV has taken several steps to ensure the safety of its passengers. Emergency call boxes are available at train stations, while emergency buttons are installed in HVV vehicles. In most cases, calling 110 from a safe distance is possible. For added security, the HVV has a dedicated safe journey telephone.
In an unusual yet effective method of behaving in dangerous situations, Korbutt shared a technique she learned in a self-defense course: sitting on the ground and clucking like a chicken can deter potential threats. She emphasized that no heroic deeds are required, but all passengers can engage with the topic.
Christiane Wagner, a representative from the Hamburg Police, supports the new campaign. She stressed that while no one is expected to become a hero, everyone can play a part in maintaining a safe environment on public transport.
To provide more detailed advice on civic courage, the HVV plans to offer free workshops from the end of the year. These workshops, which will be held at the DigiLab (Haus Enzian) and the Digitalcafé in the Hospital zum Heiligen Geist area in Hamburg-Poppenbüttel, will be small groups of 10 to 15 people.
The HVV is also investing in technology to support its safety measures. The organisation plans to enhance its camera system with AI, aiming to improve response times and increase overall safety.
Senator Tjarks highlighted that the campaign is just one building block in the broader topic of security. He encouraged everyone to continue the conversation and work together to create a safer city for all. The MOPO of the week, available in newspapers from Friday, features various articles and supplements on this important topic.
It's important to remember that reactions depend on the individual case, and there is no exact pattern to follow. However, by staying alert and engaged, we can all contribute to a safer public transport system. Not acting is not an option and can support the perpetrator. So, let's all do our part to ensure a safer journey for everyone.
