Hendricks noted that almost every train station today has places to eat and drink. “People’s habits have changed. Breakfast isn’t necessarily eaten at the kitchen table anymore but rather on the way to work. Nearly every train station offers food and beverages to serve the new patterns in people’s lives, but most of the stations have no toilets. This is unworldly,” criticized Hendricks.

One part of the problem is that Deutsch Bahn has corporate guidelines that direct them to only erect sanitation facilities at train stations with larger numbers of passengers. Bad Godesberg apparently doesn’t qualify. The other problem is that there is no law requiring “Stehcafes”, cafes with standing places only, to offer toilet facilities. Hendricks said she has already taken her complaint to the federal government, “If you offer food and beverages, you must also make toilet facilities available.” She said a correction must take place.

Renovations of the Bad Godesberg station began in April of 2015 and are expected to be completed by the end of 2016. Three elevators will be installed so it is accessible for all. A ramp for handicapped will also be built to assure access to the tunnel from the back side of the station at Von-Groote-Platz. The 8 million euro renovation will be an improvement to the current situation, which is a hardship for many. (Orig. text: Ayla Jacob)