Munich's oldest tram says goodbye after 30 years - big farewell party!

Munich's oldest tram says goodbye after 30 years - big farewell party!

The Munich tram is celebrating a special farewell: On October 18, 2025, the oldest tram in regular service, the R2.2 series, will be taken out of service after more than 30 years. This important event is being celebrated with a large farewell program by the Stadtwerke München (SWM) and the Münchener Verkehrsgesellschaft (MVG). From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday, three of the oldest trains will be on display in the tram network and will serve all stops. The trains are not only known for their technology, but also for their special decoration: there will be a children's tram, a music tram and a historical tram, which will be particularly in focus tz.de reported.

The R2.2 series entered service between 1994 and 1997 to replace the aging M cars after the war. These vehicles were the first low-floor cars in Munich and enabled passengers to board comfortably. In recent years, most vehicles have been modernized and designated R2.2b, while the non-modernized trains have the suffix R2.2a. Now the last three R2.2a vehicles are being retired, while the first production vehicle, number 2101, will be housed as a special exhibit in the MVG Museum. As part of the tram's 150th anniversary in 2026, this vehicle will also be presented at the Corso muenchen.t-online.de explains.

History of the Munich tram

The Munich tram has a long and eventful history, dating back to the first horse-drawn tram in 1876. After electrification between 1895 and 1900, the network was continuously expanded and modernized. Despite the challenges of the world wars and the changes in local public transport, the tram remained an important part of public transport in Munich. Today, the tram network, with 82 kilometers and about 105 of 139 vehicles in use, is an essential means of transport that carried over 120 million passengers in 2024, as the information on Wikipedia confirms.

The farewell to the last R2.2 trams symbolizes not only an end, but also a new beginning for the Munich tram network. In recent years, MVG has purchased new, modern vehicles to meet the needs of passengers. With further expansion plans and new lines, the tram remains a vibrant part of Munich city life. The farewell on October 18th is therefore also a celebration of the tradition and innovation that makes the Munich tram so unique.