Munich, February 2, 2026 – Commuters in the Bavarian capital are facing severe disruptions today as a city-wide public transport strike, organized by the Verdi trade union, has brought most services to a halt. U-Bahn and tram lines are completely suspended, while bus services are operating with considerable delays and irregularities.
U-Bahn and Tram Services Fully Suspended for the Day
The Munich Transport Company (MVG) confirmed that all U-Bahn lines remain out of service for the entire day due to safety concerns. Similarly, tram services, with the exception of line 20, are also suspended. Tram line 20, operating between Stachus and Moosach Bahnhof, was initially running at ten-minute intervals until approximately 13:00, and later extended to operate until around 20:00. Empty trams were also deployed on other lines in the morning to de-ice overhead power lines.
Bus Services Operating with Significant Delays and Irregularities
While all city bus lines have vehicles in operation, commuters should expect long waiting times and high occupancy. The MVG reported that due to traffic congestion, buses are experiencing major irregularities. Some lines are running every 20 to 30 minutes, while others have longer intervals, sometimes only every 40 minutes or hourly.
Bus lines operating approximately every 20 to 30 minutes include: X30, X35, X36, X80, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58/68, 59, 60, 62, 63, 132, 135, 142, 143, 145, 150, 151, 153, 154, 157, 160, 161, 162, 164, 168, 174, 176, 180, 181, 182.
Bus lines operating with larger intervals (40 minutes or hourly) include: 100, 130, 134, 136, 139, 140, 141, 144, 149, 155, 158, 159, 163, 165, 166, 167, 170, 171, 172, 173, 175, 177, 178, 179, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199.
S-Bahn and Regional Buses Unaffected
It is important to note that S-Bahn and regional bus services are not affected by the strike, as they are operated by Deutsche Bahn. Commuters are advised to utilize these alternative options where possible.
Verdi’s Demands: Higher Wages and Improved Working Conditions
The strike, which began at 3:30 AM, is part of a nationwide warning strike called by the Verdi trade union after the failure of the first round of collective bargaining in mid-January. Verdi is demanding a monthly wage increase of 668.75 Euros for employees in municipal public transport. Additionally, the union seeks a reduction in the weekly working hours from 38.5 to 35 hours with full wage compensation, a higher Sunday bonus, and a collective agreement for a minimum rest period of eleven hours. Haris Softić, who is planning the Verdi actions in Munich, anticipates a very high participation rate among drivers, stating, “I assume that hardly anyone in the driving service will be working.”
Employer’s Response and Future Negotiations
The Bavarian Municipal Employers’ Association has deemed Verdi’s demands “unrealistic,” proposing a salary increase of at least five percent in two stages. The next round of negotiations for public services is scheduled for February 11 and 12, 2026, in Potsdam. Negotiations for public transport in Bavaria will resume on February 13.
Commuters Advised to Seek Alternatives
The MVG has strongly recommended that passengers switch to alternative modes of transport, form carpools, or work from home if feasible. Regular service is not expected to resume until Tuesday, February 3.
Further Strikes Expected
Verdi has indicated that further warning strikes are to be expected before the next round of negotiations on February 13. The union will announce the timing and duration of these strikes with appropriate advance notice.
