Bus companies and the Bavarian Teachers’ Association (BLLV) are raising the alarm, warning that the situation is worsening in many areas. One particularly troubling case involves a school bus route running from the district of Fürstenfeldbruck to Dießen am Ammersee, where conditions have deteriorated to the point that the operating company has announced it will no longer service the route.
Bus Company Withdraws: Escalating Violence on Route to Dießen
The Neumeyr bus company has stated that it will no longer operate the route. The reason: students regularly leave trash behind—including used sanitary pads. There are also frequent arguments and aggressive behavior among the passengers. In one especially disturbing incident, a student allegedly threatened another with an open knife during the ride.
No Longer Isolated Incidents – Industry Association Sounds the Alarm
Are these just isolated cases? According to the Bavarian State Association of Bus Operators, the answer is no. Executive Director Stephan Rabl explains, “These incidents are no longer exceptions—they are noticeably on the rise.” The association recently conducted a flash survey among its members and received more than 50 responses in just one day. Eighty percent of the companies reported a significant increase in problems related to student transport over the past five years.
The reported incidents range from verbal abuse and threats against drivers to vandalism such as slashed seats and smashed windows. While no physical assaults on passengers or staff have been reported yet, concerns about further escalation are growing.
Violence Is Not Limited to Schools – School Buses Increasingly Affected
The Bavarian Teachers’ Association (BLLV) is also expressing concern. Its president, Simone Fleischmann, states: “We have clearly seen a rise in violence against teachers in recent years—and this trend now extends beyond the classroom, into school buses and other areas.” Fleischmann refers to a study by the Education and Upbringing Association, which found that 65 percent of schools reported incidents of psychological violence and 35 percent reported physical violence against teachers.
She adds that the root of the problem often lies in the home: “When parents become increasingly disrespectful in public life, this behavior rubs off on their children—who then behave accordingly in school and on the bus.” According to Fleischmann, public spaces are increasingly becoming stages for aggression.
Media Coverage Helps, But the Route’s Future Remains Uncertain
In the specific case from the Fürstenfeldbruck district, media attention has at least led to a short-term improvement. Bus driver Dieter Buchner reports that the situation has noticeably calmed down—both in terms of cleanliness and student behavior—since the issue made headlines. Whether this improvement will last remains to be seen.
The district authority has launched a new bidding process for the route, which is expected to be completed during the summer holidays. Whether a new company can be found and how the behavioral issues will be addressed in the future are still open questions.
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