MVV Continues Expansion, Augsburg Merger Delayed Amid Funding Disputes
Munich, March 12, 2026 – The Munich Transport and Tariff Association (MVV) is steadily expanding its reach across Bavaria, growing from eight to 18 members since 2023. Next year, the district of Ostallgäu and the independent city of Kaufbeuren are set to join, with Altötting and Traunstein districts potentially following in 2028. However, a significant planned expansion, the merger with the Augsburg Transport Association (AVV), has been temporarily halted due to financial disagreements.
Augsburg Merger Postponed Indefinitely
Bernd Rosenbusch, MVV Managing Director, announced at the annual press conference on Tuesday that the integration of the Swabian region is postponed, with no new date set. Previous targets for the merger were 2025, then 2026, and later 2027. The primary obstacle remains the Bavarian state’s perceived insufficient contribution to the ‘through-tariffing losses’ – a cost estimated at several million euros annually.
These losses arise because a unified tariff system means passengers will only need one ticket for the expanded network, making individual journeys cheaper than the sum of previous tickets. The burden of these costs would fall on the AVV’s shareholders: the city and district of Augsburg, and the districts of Aichach-Friedberg and Dillingen an der Donau, who are still seeking further negotiations.
Benefits of MVV Membership Evident
Despite the financial hurdles, joining the MVV offers clear advantages for both members and passengers. For commuters, public transport becomes simpler and, in most cases, more affordable. This can lead to a reduction in car usage and, consequently, less traffic congestion in municipalities.
Landrat Otto Lederer of the Rosenheim district, which joined the MVV two years ago, reported ‘very positive’ experiences. According to Rosenbusch, passenger numbers in Rosenheim have increased by at least eleven percent since the MVV’s introduction, demonstrating the positive impact of expanded public transport services.
Growing Network and Future Prospects
Towards the end of last year, existing and new MVV members celebrated the inclusion of the districts of Mühldorf am Inn, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and the city and district of Landshut. Rosenbusch proudly stated that the MVV now encompasses the ‘most beautiful spots in Bavaria,’ covering 13,595 square kilometers, 410 municipalities, and serving 4.1 million people.
The district of Mühldorf am Inn, like Augsburg, initially hesitated to join the MVV. Their one-time expenditure for infrastructure measures and consulting services amounted to 260,000 euros, with an annual operating contribution of approximately 230,000 euros starting from 2026. These figures were significantly lower than initial estimates, highlighting efforts to reduce costs for new members. Rosenbusch affirmed that similar cost-reduction strategies are being pursued for the postponed Augsburg merger.
The MVV’s continuous growth underscores its commitment to improving public transport across the region. While the Augsburg merger faces temporary setbacks, the long-term vision for an integrated, efficient, and affordable public transport network remains a key objective for the MVV and its partners.
