Violence against train staff at 'alarming' levels

Violence against railway staff in Switzerland is reaching alarming levels - around ten attacks every day, according to Swiss Federal Railways.

That’s nearly 3,600 cases a year, often involving serious physical assaults. 

In response, National Councillor, Piero Marchesi, has called for tougher security measures on trains. 

The Federal Council, in its reply this week, supports creating a national security plan with cantons and transport firms, but rejects mandatory patrols and the systematic arming of staff with pepper spray, saying those decisions lie with the companies.

Most attacks happen late at night or early morning, often during ticket checks or on overcrowded trains.

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