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Technical University of Munich

Mobility Challenge

Public Transport is often treated as a technically safe system, yet research shows that feelings of insecurity are primarily shaped by social interactions rather than infrastructure alone. Women, queer people, immigrants, and young travelers are particularly affected by behaviors such as staring, following, verbal harassment, and racist or sexist language. Studies consistently show that fear can emerge even in the absence of physical violence and lead to avoidance, heightened vigilance, and long-term changes in mobility behavior.

Building on these Findings, our project combines qualitative interviews in Munich with survey data to examine how everyday encounters, power imbalances, and the absence of bystander intervention undermine perceived security and restrict equal access to public transport.

Main Insights

Insecurity in public transport is mainly shaped by everyday social interactions rather than physical violence, with fear driven by anticipation and power imbalance. Women, LGBTQ+, and immigrant users experience higher insecurity, leading to avoidance of nighttime travel and reduced independence. Responsibility for security is often shifted to individuals, while existing measures stay underused; the Munich Youth Mobility Survey shows that only about 15% of respondents know about the request-stop option, and around 36% of women and gender-diverse respondents are unaware of the women’s night taxi voucher.

 

Verbal harassment and racist language can create lasting fear, even when no physical violence occurs. The incident shows how intimidation and lack of intervention reshape everyday mobility choices. You can find the complete comic 1 here. 

 

Verbal harassment and racist language can create lasting fear, even when no physical violence occurs. The incident shows how intimidation and lack of intervention reshape everyday mobility choices. You can find the complete comic 2 here.

 

This case illustrates how boundary violations and isolation in public spaces can lead to panic, escape behavior, and loss of trust in public transport — even during daytime travel.) Access the complete comic 3 here. 

 

Power imbalances and aggressive behavior by authority figures can intensify fear, especially when communication fails. The story raises questions about accountability, bystander responsibility, and proper intervention. Access the complete comic 4 here.

 

Solutions

1. Existing Options in Case of Insecurity

  • Emergency buttons are located beside the doors in buses and S-Bahn trains.

  • In the U-Bahn, emergency buttons are also located under the emergency brakes.

  • Pressing the button connects you to the MVG operation center.

  • Inside S-Bahn trains and buses, you are connected directly to the driver.

  • Explain what happened; the operator or driver will provide or organize help.

  • Emergency call boxes are available at U-Bahn stations.

  • Pressing the button connects you to the MVG operation center.

  • After the connection, clearly state: where you are and what happend.

  • The emergency boxes are equipped with cameras.

  • aIf you tell them your location, the control center can access the camera above the box and see you and your surroundings.

  • At major S-Bahn stations, there are staffed service booths. 

  • If you need help, go directly to the personnel on site.

  • Available at all Bürgerbüros (Citizens’ Advice Bureaus) in Munich.

  • To receive a voucher, you must present one of the following: student card, school student card, pension card/pass, disability pass, Munich Pass, IHK apprentice card.

  • Available for: women, transgender women, women with diverse gender identities, non-binary women

  • Value: €10 per voucher

  • Valid between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

  • Available on all bus lines after 11:00 p.m.

  • How it works:
    • go to the driver
    • tell them where you would like to get off
    • The bus can stop between regular stops at a safe location.

  • Up to 15 double patrols are active across U-Bahn stations. 

  • You can always approach them if you need help. 

  • Their role is to support passengers and maintain security.

  • If other options are not available, you can always call:

  • 110: police (crime or immediate danger)

  • 112: medical services and firefighters

  • 112 is not only for fires; it also applies if you are injured and need medical help.

  • The two emergency centers coordinate with each other if both police and medical services are required.

  • When calling, clearly answer: Where are you? What happened? Are there any injuries? How many people are injured? Wait for a response and further questions.

This Liste  contains Website links and phone numbers, which offer consultation and support. 

2. Actions You Can Take as a Baystander

  • Pay attention to your surroundings: Notice situations that may cause discomfort, such as someone being followed, stared at, or verbally harassed. 

  • Check in with the affected person: A simple question like “Are you okay?” or “Do you need help?” can reduce fear and show support.

  • Sit or stand close to the affected person: Your physical presence can discourage unwanted behavior and help the person feel less isolated.

  • Offer verbal support: Speak calmly and confidently if it feels safe, for example, by starting a neutral conversation with the affected person.

  • Create a distraction when appropriate: Asking for directions or dropping something on purpose can interrupt the situation without direct confrontation.

  • Alert drivers or transport staff: Inform the driver, inspector, or station staff if you notice a situation that threatens someone’s security.

  • Stay nearby until the situation feels secure: Remaining close can help ensure the person is not left alone and can safely leave the vehicle or station.

 

Note: We would like to emphasize that you should only interact directly with the attacker/harasser if you feel comfortable doing so.

3. Actions You Can Take as a Victim

  • Move to a different seat, carriage, or more visible area: Choose areas with more people, better lighting, or closer access to staff. 

  • Position yourself near other passengers or transport staff: Staying close to others can reduce feelings of isolation and increase security.

  • Use emergency buttons or intercoms if needed: These connect you directly to drivers or the control center and can help organize immediate support.

  • Call or message someone for support: Talking to someone you trust can help you feel less alone and more confident.

  • Leave the vehicle at a well-lit or busy stop: If possible, exit where other people are present, and help is easier to find.

  • Change routes or timing if a situation feels unsafe: Avoiding certain locations or times can increase short-term security, especially at night.

  • Trust your instincts and prioritize your personal security: You do not need proof to act - if something feels wrong, it is okay to remove yourself from the situation.

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Ceccato, V., Loukaitou-Sideris, A., & Newton, A. (2021). Fear of sexual harassment and its impact on safety perceptions in transit environments: A global perspective. Transport Policy, 104, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2021.01.014

Ceccato, V., & Loukaitou-Sideris, A. (2021). Transit crime and sexual harassment: Women’s safety and mobility justice. Journal of Transport Geography, 94, 103114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2021.103114

Ison, Jessica; Forsdike, Kirsty; Henry, Nicola; Hooker, Leesa; Taft, Angela (2025): "I'll Try and Make Myself as Small as Possible": Women and Gender-Diverse People's Safety Work on Public Transport. In: Violence against women 31 (11), S. 2830–2852. DOI: 10.1177/10778012241270279.

Institute for Empirical Sociology (IFES). (2025). Study on youth mobility in Munich: How do you get from A to B? Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen–Nuremberg. https://www.ifes.uni-erlangen.de

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Landeshauptstadt München, Stadtwerke München GmbH: Frauen*-Nacht-Taxis für München. Taxi-Gutscheine: Sicherer Heimweg für Frauen* im Dunkeln. Online verfügbar unter www.muenchen.de/verkehr/frauen-nacht-taxis-fuer-muenchen-infos-gutscheine, zuletzt geprüft am 31.01.2026.

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Münchner Verkehrsgesellsschaft (o.J.): Halten auf Wunsch. Online verfügbar unter www.mvg.de/services/halten-auf-wunsch.html, zuletzt aktualisiert am 2026, zuletzt geprüft am 31.01.2026.

Münchner Verkehrsgesellsschaft: Unsere Sicherheitseinrichtungen. Online verfügbar unter www.mvg.de/ueber-die-mvg/unser-engagement/sicher-unterwegs.html, zuletzt geprüft am 31.01.2026.

Queer Mobilities Collective. (2019). Queer mobilities: Critical LGBTQ perspectives of public transport spaces. Mobilities, 14(3), 401–417. https://doi.org/10.1080/17450101.2019.1589716

S-Bahn München: What the Sprechstelle?! – Wie der Kasten mit Knopf Leben retten kann. Online verfügbar unter www.s-bahn-muenchen.de/de/entdeckerzone/bewegendefakten/sprechstelle, zuletzt geprüft am 31.01.2026.

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Tillman-Chowdhury, M. (2024). The role of bystanders on women’s perception of personal security when using public transport. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 99, 103–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2023.11.009

UITP – International Association of Public Transport. (2020). Enhancing passenger security in public transport. https://www.uitp.org

World Health Organization. (2017). Violence prevention through urban design and planning. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/violence-prevention-through-urban-design-and-planning

 

AI was used to create the comics. 

Contact

Authors: Amin Wisal Khan, Bernhard Begert, Kanz Ul Eman Syeda

Students are responsible for the content of their term papers. Supervision was provided by David Duran Rodas, Maria Jose Zungia, and Lea S. Zuckriegl. If you want further details, please feel free to contact Lea S. Zuckriegl (lea.zuckriegl@tum.de). 

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