Tram chaos in Munich: 60 million for 700 meters remain unused!

Tram chaos in Munich: 60 million for 700 meters remain unused!

In Munich, plans for a new tram connection are on the brink. The construction of the tram line to Johanneskirchen, which was originally scheduled to begin in autumn 2023, was abruptly stopped. The reason: a lack of approval from the government of Upper Bavaria. This has imposed a construction halt because no agreement could be reached at short notice in a discussion meeting that is part of the plan approval process. The planning approval notice is now urgently needed for construction to begin, as is the case Evening newspaper reported.

The tram line in question is part of the approximately 13 kilometer long tram north tangent, of which the section through the English Garden and further through Schwabing has now been abandoned. This leaves only 700 meters in Johanneskirchen to be realized. A new request with updated passenger forecasts may be necessary, as attorney Ziegler notes. A spokesman for the Munich Transport Company (MVG) confirms that the current forecasts are based on the longer northern tangent, which is now in limbo.

Political discussions underway

The situation caused a lot of excitement in the city council. CSU city councilor Fabian Ewald makes it clear that he is calling for better use of the funds for the 60 million euros invested in the 700-meter-long route. In his opinion, it is irresponsible to put so much money into a piece that doesn't work properly. In contrast, Green City Councilor Paul Bickelbacher emphasizes the importance of the tram for the Munich transport network. He sees the tram as a better and more environmentally friendly alternative to the bus.

SPD leader Anne Hübner accuses the city administration of possibly having political interests behind the cancellations. At the same time, however, she emphasizes that the city council must act within its financial possibilities. The issue is also further complicated by the upcoming soil tests, which will take place from July 3rd to 15th. These investigations are intended to check the load-bearing capacity of the soil and are important for applying for the commissioning permit MVG communicates.

New tram west tangent line is on the way

While the northern tangent is currently in jeopardy, there is positive news from another area of ​​Munich's local transport. The Munich municipal utility company has received the planning approval decision for the first construction phase of the new tram west tangent. This connection will connect five city districts: Nymphenburg, Laim, Sendling, Hadern and later Obersendling. The new route will run for 8.25 kilometers and offer numerous stops, which should significantly improve local transport in Munich. The first section is scheduled to be put into operation at the end of 2025 Urban Transport Magazine reported.

So we can be curious to see how the situation around the tram to Johanneskirchen develops. While construction work on the North Tangent has stalled, other projects in this city appear to be making progress. Munich's transport system is facing a crucial time in which the course for the future must be set.