paroolOct 10, 2026, 01:00

Opinion: A man was masturbating on metro 53. Is Amsterdam doing enough to protect women in Zuidoost?

An incident of public indecency on Amsterdam's metro line 53 has sparked criticism regarding the safety of women traveling to the Zuidoost district at night. The upcoming cancellation of the direct route to Centraal Station is being labeled a setback for safety, with calls for the city to prioritize infrastructure improvements and maintain direct transport links.

A recent incident where a woman witnessed a man exposing himself on Amsterdam metro line 53 has highlighted growing concerns regarding safety for female passengers in the city's Zuidoost district. Statistical data from the municipality confirms that women feel significantly less safe than men in public transport at night, with many avoiding specific routes or stations due to fear of harassment. Despite the city allocating six million euros to improve safety for women following recent high-profile violence, critics argue that these measures are insufficient for those traveling to and from Zuidoost.

The situation is expected to worsen with the upcoming removal of the direct connection for line 53, which will force passengers to transfer at Van der Madeweg station starting in 2027. This change adds waiting time and potential isolation for travelers, contradicting local safety initiatives. Activists are now calling for a reversal of the transit plan and an immediate acceleration of infrastructure improvements, such as better lighting and increased oversight, to ensure all women can travel securely throughout the city.

Culture Lifestyle Amsterdam

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Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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