With the start of Oktoberfest, Deutsche Bahn always prepares for a daily increase of roughly 100,000 passengers. To avoid chaos and schedule disruptions, the company has prepared a comprehensive package of measures.
More space at the Central Station: new passages for passengers
Munich Central Station remains a construction site at the tightest point of the local transport hub. According to DB InfraGO, several additional pedestrian zones for passengers will open ahead of the festival:
New passage: the crossing from the railway tracks to the Starnberg wing station will open on schedule. According to the company, the existing entrances and exits will be retained.
More platform space: the partially closed platform 18/19 will, according to the railway company, be fully accessible again for the duration of the festival.
Navigation system: more than 20 navigation staff and dedicated software for identifying problem areas will regulate passenger flows. As DB’s spokesperson Christoph Kraller put it: “This will allow us to create more space in a targeted way and improve the route signage.”
500 additional services and a strict ban on hot-air balloons
Hackerbruecke S-Bahn station remains the central gathering point for festival visitors. According to S-Bahn Muenchen, on the instruction of the Bavarian state government, suburban trains will run there at 20-minute intervals late into the night. According to the Bavarian Railway Company (BEG), more than 500 additional and extended services will be funded.
Security staff are already carrying out consistent checks at Hackerbruecke station. Deutsche Bahn representatives have stressed that a ban is in force at this station not only on glass containers and beer mugs, but also on helium-filled balloons. The reason is that balloons that have gotten loose have in the past caused short circuits in the railway’s overhead contact line and paralysed suburban train services.
Maximum presence and cleanliness around the clock
According to the Munich federal police and DB security services, a total of 250 additional police and security staff will be deployed from 19 September. As federal police spokesperson Steffen Kwaas explained: “the primary task is a joint effort to ensure the safe arrival and departure of all guests.
As usual in Bavaria: the primary task is not the actual safety of passengers, but the effort or attempt to ensure it. In other words, our officials and railway workers are working not for the result, but for the process. An interesting approach, but as the history of mankind shows – a utopian one. – Ed.
Deutsche Bahn also plans to step up efforts to maintain cleanliness. According to the company, DB InfraGO cleaning teams are working around the clock on the stretch between Marienplatz and Hackerbruecke. Passengers can report new instances of littering directly via a WhatsApp service called “What’s schmutzig”.
Additional luggage storage space, according to DB, has been set up in the building of the former Intercity Hotel. Nevertheless, the company recommends coming to Munich without large luggage or bicycles where possible, for why do the work yourself when you can pass the responsibility on to the festival’s guests.
