The scent of brewing coffee still lingers in the crisp autumn air as the first trams of the day rumble through Munich’s streets. Inside, passengers, lost in their own worlds, gaze out windows or scroll through their phones. But soon, these everyday journeys are set to change. A new initiative, launching in October, aims to transform these anonymous commutes into vibrant hubs of democratic conversation, bringing together people from all walks of life.
The Vision: Bridging Divides, One Tram Ride at a Time
This innovative project is a collaboration between two organizations: the Munich-based association “Was verbindet” (What Connects) and the Dresden-based “Metro_polis.” Their shared goal is to foster dialogue and strengthen democratic values by encouraging strangers to engage in meaningful conversations during their tram journeys. The concept, already successfully implemented in eastern Germany, seeks to break down the invisible barriers that often separate people in public spaces.
Dorothea Anzinger, a 67-year-old participant from Vaterstetten, embodies the spirit of the project. Drawn to the initiative through a newsletter from “Mehr Demokratie” (More Democracy), she believes that “this aspect of coming together with people in a tram is for me a very honest and authentic way to understand what drives people.” The volunteer group, a diverse mix of students and seniors, shares a common eagerness to approach strangers and genuinely listen to their stories.
From Dresden to Munich: A Proven Model for Dialogue
The “Metro_polis” association, founded by Kristina Krömer in Dresden, is the brainchild behind this unique concept. Its name, a clever blend of the French “métro” (for tram) and the Greek “polis” (for city society), perfectly encapsulates its mission. Since its inception, the association has facilitated over 15,000 conversations in public transport across Dresden, Leipzig, and Chemnitz. The project’s reach extends beyond trams, with “Metro_polis” active in regional trains in Lusatia and on selected ICE routes since 2024, demonstrating its adaptability and impact.
Kristina Krömer, who also led the training for the Munich volunteers, expressed her enthusiasm for the motivated participants. She highlighted their curiosity, receptiveness to new content, and thorough preparation for the often-unfamiliar task of initiating conversations with strangers. The volunteers learn to approach passengers openly yet discreetly, fostering an environment where diverse viewpoints are respected and exchanged. The invitation to converse is extended with sensitivity, often beginning with a simple: “Good day. We are from ‘Metro_polis Munich.’ We invite passengers on the tram to talk.”
The Art of Conversation: Training for Empathy and Understanding
The extensive training program for the more than 20 volunteers focused not on persuading others, but on the art of attentive listening, embracing differing perspectives, and interacting with others without judgment. The aim is to ensure conversations occur on an equal footing, regardless of political beliefs, backgrounds, or experiences. Role-playing scenarios, based on experiences from other cities, were crucial in preparing volunteers for various situations, including engaging with a staunch non-voter. One example of an opening line used in training was: “I want to better understand your perspective, so please give me two examples from your daily life so I can better comprehend it.”
A core principle of the project is inclusivity. Passengers are not selected based on age, appearance, or presumed political affiliation. The volunteers are trained to ask open-ended questions and encourage individuals to share their experiences rather than making assumptions. Those who wish to participate are invited to a designated conversation area within the tram, marked with posters, typically a four-person seating arrangement.
The Launch: Munich’s Trams as Living Laboratories of Democracy
The project will officially launch on October 10th and 11th with an inaugural weekend. During these days, four-person seating groups in the trams will transform into temporary conversation spaces for 10 to 15 minutes. Volunteers will board in teams of three at a terminal stop, dividing responsibilities: one person invites passengers to converse, while the others moderate the discussions. The success of these impromptu dialogues hinges on the openness of the passengers themselves. However, past experiences have shown that some passengers become so engrossed in conversation that they even miss their stops.
If successful, Munich’s trams could, for a few stops at a time, become vibrant examples of lived democracy, fostering understanding and connection among its diverse population. This initiative offers a refreshing approach to civic engagement, proving that even in the rush of daily life, there is always room for meaningful human connection.
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