Despite the upcoming difficulties, city services and private initiatives have prepared a number of alternative solutions to minimize discomfort for citizens and thousands of football fans expecting an important match.
Munich schoolchildren, contrary to hopes for an unscheduled day off, will have to head to classes on time. The main phase of the strike will begin on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, when the subway, buses, and trams will completely stop moving from 11:00.
However, disruptions will become noticeable much earlier: from 9:00 AM, transport will gradually begin to disappear from the streets. The operator MVG explained that vehicles will systematically return to depots to avoid a transport collapse where trains could get stuck directly on the tracks at the moment of the official start of the protest.
Alternatives on wheels: rickshaws, bicycles, and electric scooters
For those who need to move around the city center in the midst of the strike — from 11:00 to 13:00 — an unusual solution has been prepared. Rickshaw driver Daniel Hehnen will be waiting for passengers at Odeonsplatz. This initiative is organized specifically for readers, with a simple rule: priority is given to those who arrived first. It should be noted that the trip may be accompanied by media attention — a photographer will be present on-site. To help as many people as possible, restrictions have been set: the destination must be within a radius of three kilometers. Usually, Daniel carries tourists in the Glockenbach area, but this Thursday his passengers will be those who suddenly lost their usual subway access.
Forecasters promise favorable weather, making the bicycle the most reliable transport tool in conditions of a transport deficit. In addition to personal bicycles, numerous electric bike and scooter rental points are available throughout the city. These services will continue to work in enhanced mode until 4:00 AM Friday, when the strike officially ends.
For those who prefer classic buses, the news is moderately optimistic. Although movement will be seriously restricted, most routes up to line 199 will continue to run. However, forget about an exact schedule — intervals will become irregular. MVG specified that approximately half of the bus fleet will hit the lines, allowing for the maintenance of at least a basic level of service in key areas of the city.
Football despite the strike: the path to the Allianz Arena
Special attention is being paid to fans heading to the evening Champions League match between Bayern Munich and Atalanta. To avoid ruining the sporting event, transport workers plan to partially launch critically important lines. Priority is given to tram line 20 and the U6 subway line. Efforts are concentrated on the section between the city center and Fröttmaning, where the stadium is located.
There is already positive experience: during the February protests, the company successfully organized the delivery of fans to the match against Leipzig. This time, the number of trains on the U6 line will directly depend on the actual availability of staff who reported for duty. As additional insurance, free shuttle buses will be launched from the Donnersbergerbrücke bridge to the Allianz Arena.
At the same time, S-Bahn and regional trains will continue to operate as usual, remaining a reliable link. The strike itself is a tool of pressure by the Verdi union before the next round of negotiations with municipal employers, scheduled for March 23. The main demands remain salary increases and a significant improvement in working conditions for industry employees.
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