Munich, December 12 – The Munich transport company (MVG) continues to face significant challenges in maintaining its subway service, leading to ongoing timetable reductions. The primary issue is a persistent shortage of operational trains, with only 85 to 90 out of the required 95 available for peak-hour service. This situation is compelling the MVG to keep 25 first-generation A-Wagen, originally slated for retirement this year, in active service.
Delays and Disruptions Plague Munich’s U-Bahn
The U4 line, for instance, is still operating on a ten-minute interval, with a five-minute frequency only possible ‘depending on car availability,’ according to an MVG spokesperson. Five additional trains are needed to restore the full five-minute service on the U4. Commuters traveling between Max-Weber-Platz and Westendstraße, where the U4 shares its route with the U5, experience more frequent service during weekdays. The U7, typically a booster line between Neuperlach Zentrum and Olympia-Einkaufszentrum (OEZ), is currently limited to service between OEZ and Sendlinger Tor, requiring three additional trains for full operation. Neuperlach Zentrum is serviced by the U5, with the U8 providing additional service on Saturdays.
These operational challenges have been ongoing throughout the year. In February, the MVG introduced service cuts on the U4 and U7 lines for three weeks due to a lack of vehicles and personnel, particularly in workshops. Although personnel shortages have since been resolved, and issues with high wheel wear on the newer C2 trains have been addressed, vehicle availability remains a critical concern.
Supply Chain Issues and Retrofitting Delays
Several factors contribute to the current train deficit. Siemens, the manufacturer of the new C2 trains, is experiencing delivery delays due to supply chain disruptions caused by the flooding of an aluminum plant. Additionally, the retrofitting of older trains with modern fire protection systems has taken longer than anticipated. This combination of factors means that the MVG’s fleet is not at its optimal capacity, forcing the continued reliance on older models.
Vintage Trains on the Tracks: A Necessity, Not a Choice
For subway enthusiasts, the sight of the first-generation A-Wagen, built between 1970 and 1983 and now at least 42 years old, might be nostalgic. However, for the MVG, their continued use is a necessity. There are currently 25 of these ‘double railcars’ in operation, typically coupled in threes to form full trains, or sometimes in pairs as short trains. These A-Wagen were originally scheduled for decommissioning this year but will now remain in service throughout 2026, being phased out gradually. Maintaining these aging vehicles requires unplanned financial and temporal investment, tying up valuable workshop capacities.
The B-Wagen, recognizable by their white-blue exterior and brown seats, built between 1987 and 1995, also have near-vintage status. There are 53 of these double railcars, equivalent to 17.6 trains, still in use and expected to remain so until the 2030s.
Seventeen C1 trains, manufactured between 2000 and 2005, are in regular service, with five more awaiting approval after undergoing fire protection retrofits. The MVG anticipates these will be cleared for service by March.
The largest portion of the fleet comprises the modern C2 trains, in production since 2013. Currently, 76 of these are in operation, with some temporarily out of service for maintenance, repairs, or modifications. The MVG expects the C2 fleet to grow to 85 trains by the upcoming summer holidays. Until then, ‘oldtimer fans’ will continue to find their enjoyment on Munich’s subway lines.
Source: https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/muenchen-u-bahn-fehlende-fahrzeuge-mvg-einschraenkungen-zuege-li.3351604
