How to get around Munich during the two-day public transport strike

Munich’s U-Bahn trains, buses and trams will come to a standstill on Wednesday as a two-day public transport strike called by the Verdi trade union begins. 

The walkout starts at 11am and lasts until 4am on Friday. 

It forms part of ongoing targeted industrial action affecting several different cities in German states as collective bargaining disputes between Verdi and employers continues. 

READ ALSO: Where transport strikes are expected in Germany this week

How much disruption should people in Munich expect?

According to the Munich Transport Company (MVG), the strike will hit the underground train network, trams and all bus routes in the city up to number 199.

Services were expected to run as normal until 9am on Wednesday, before being gradually withdrawn, with the strike beginning at 11am. 

However, a statement from MVG said passengers may see limited bus services on the road “as the private bus companies operating on behalf of MVG are not affected by the strike”.

The transport operator added: “The priority is to distribute the available buses as evenly as possible across the network.

“They will ensure basic service coverage across the city. However, depending on passenger numbers and traffic conditions, there may be significant disruptions.”

MVG added that if enough staff report for duty during the strike, “tram services may resume on individual routes – starting with route 20”.

For the underground, services on the U3 and U6 lines will be gradually restored in sections, depending on staff availability, officials said. 

What are my other options?

Deutsche Bahn is not involved in this dispute so regional and ICE trains, as well as Munich’s S-Bahn network, will run as usual during the industrial action.

However, S-Bahn trains may be overcrowded, especially during peak commuter hours. 

Other options include walking (if the distance is manageable), taking a bike, renting an e-scooter or getting a taxi or Uber.

READ ALSO: Will transportation strikes affect travellers in Germany at Easter?

It may be difficult to get around Munich on Wednesday and Thursday. (Photo by Christof STACHE / AFP)

What happens if I’m late for work due to strikes?

In Germany, employees are generally responsible for getting to work on time even when there’s disruption to transport. 

Managers may be sympathetic, though, so talk to them to discuss options if you’re struggling.  

Q&A: What are the rules in Germany for being late to work due to strikes?

What about the Champions League match?

Tens of thousands of fans are in Munich for the Champions League game between Bayern Munich and Atalanta.

But they have a few options to get to and from the game at the Allianz Arena that kicks off at 9pm on Wednesday. 

As mentioned, the MVG aims to gradually resume services on the U3/U6 lines, with priority given to the section between the city centre and Fröttmaning. “This means the Allianz Arena will be accessible by underground in the evening,” said the MVG.

A free FC Bayern shuttle bus will also be available from 6.30pm for the journey to the stadium, running between the Donnersbergerbrücke S-Bahn station and Kieferngarten. From there, the Allianz Arena is within walking distance via Kieferngartenstraße. After the match, buses will run from Kieferngarten to Stachus.

Anything else I should know?

Elsewhere in Bavaria, strikes are hitting Dachau, with no city buses running on Wednesday, and in Landshut only a few buses on the public transport network are expected to operate. 

Other Bavarian cities, including Nuremberg, Augsburg and Regensburg, will see transportation strikes on Thursday.

Meanwhile, various walkouts are also happening across other parts of Germany this week. Also on Thursday, for instance, bus and train services will be disrupted in Brandenburg and Hamburg.

These warning strikes are part of collective bargaining negotiations for transport workers across Germany’s 16 states.

Verdi is fighting for better working conditions for its members, such as shorter weekly working hours and shift times, longer rest periods and higher bonuses for work at night and on weekends.