Safety debate after tram accidents: Munich's stops in focus!

Safety debate after tram accidents: Munich's stops in focus!

Munich in summer 2025 – The issue of safety at public transport stops is more relevant than ever. On May 7, 2023, there was a tragic accident at the Donnersbergerstrasse tram stop. An SUV driver crashed into a bus shelter at high speed after losing control of his vehicle. Several people were injured in this incident, including a 22-year-old student and a 79-year-old woman from Munich, who died from their injuries a few days later. This incident has reignited a heated debate about the necessary safety measures at tram and bus stops South German newspaper reported.

In Germany, accidents at stops are not a rare phenomenon. According to a study, 4,130 people were recorded in 3,294 personal injury accidents in 2018, 46 of which were fatal. Around 94% of these accidents occur in urban areas. Nevertheless, accidents at tram stops appear to be underrepresented in the statistics, as only around 10% of accidents at tram stops are included in the official statistics. This suggests that there is great potential for improving security, such as UDV analyzed.

Measures to improve security

The security debate in Munich has led to various proposals. Munich's Third Mayor Dominik Krause emphasizes the urgency of additional security measures, even if the legal framework often makes this difficult. An example of positive developments is the redesigned Romanplatz in Nymphenburg, where structural changes have significantly increased safety for those waiting at stops. Raised platforms and splash guards are available here to protect passengers.

However, there are also critical voices about these measures. The Pro Bahn passenger association complains that the new railings themselves may represent a source of danger and are instead calling for bollards as a more sensible safety measure. The problem is corroborated by other accident reports, such as the death of three people in a red light accident in Leipzig in 2021 or the fatal accident of a 22-year-old who raced through Munich at 144 km/h on July 9, 2023.

Statistical findings and recommendations for action

The latest statistics also reveal that bus stop areas have a higher accident density than other traffic zones. A comprehensive study by the UDV has shown that traffic safety at tram stops can be improved through various measures, such as center separation and signaling security. Appropriate behavioral analyzes should also be carried out in order to identify and prevent potential dangers at an early stage. Recommendations include, for example, the construction of crossing aids a maximum of 20 meters from stops and coordinated bicycle traffic systems in order to minimize the risk of accidents.

The results of these studies are of interest not only for local traffic policy, but also for safety-oriented legislation and traffic education, such as Federal statistics shows. The goal remains a complete recording and comprehensive analysis of accidents in order to be able to take preventive measures.

The discussion about safety at bus stops continues to be fueled by recent incidents. It remains to be hoped that lessons will be learned from the tragic experiences in order to ensure the safety of passengers in Munich in the long term.