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MUNICH – In a significant shift for the city’s public transport infrastructure, Munich’s municipal utility company, Stadtwerke München (SWM), has announced plans for a substantial reduction in its workforce over the next several years. By 2031, the company aims to cut 557 full-time positions, with the mobility sector-specifically bus and tram services-bearing the brunt of the reduction.
Planned Reduction of 557 Positions
According to information obtained by the Abendzeitung, the SWM group, which includes the Munich Transport Company (MVG), had 10,593 full-time positions in 2025. The company’s long-term planning indicates a target of 10,036 positions by 2031. The mobility division is set to lose 359 of its 5,016 positions, representing a significant restructuring of the city’s transport workforce.
The planned cuts specifically affect roles that were the subject of aggressive recruitment campaigns just a few years ago:
- Tram drivers: From 641 positions in 2025 to 580 in 2031 (-61).
- Bus drivers: From 1,124 positions in 2025 to 972 in 2031 (-152).
- Subway drivers: From 466 positions in 2025 to 432 in 2031 (-34).
No Forced Layoffs Expected
Despite concerns regarding the scale of the reduction, a spokesperson for the Stadtwerke emphasized that there are no plans for forced layoffs. The company stated that the reduction will be managed through “natural fluctuation,” such as retirements and voluntary departures. The SWM maintains that efficiency and current demand are the primary drivers behind this long-term personnel strategy.
Political Reaction
The announcement has drawn criticism from local political figures. Stefan Jagel, leader of the Left Party (Die Linke) faction in the Munich city council, expressed concern over the impact on the city’s mobility transition. “A significant reduction in staff is unsettling,” Jagel stated. “There is no mobility transition without sufficient personnel. It requires reliable services, which can only be ensured by employees who are there to operate them.” The Left Party has submitted a formal inquiry to obtain further details on the planned savings and the potential impact on public transport reliability.
While the company continues to hire in certain operational areas, the overall trend reflects a contraction in the workforce compared to 2025 levels, raising questions about the future capacity of Munich’s public transit network.
Source: Abendzeitung München
