For a long time now, the Munich subway has often only used short trains on the U1 and U7 lines. In addition, there are always gaps in service times on all lines, which on the one hand results in longer waiting times at the platforms and, on the other hand, full vehicles.
This is because the MVG regularly has too few vehicles available. One reason for this: The MVG not only lacks drivers, but also staff in the workshop to repair and maintain all subways sufficiently quickly. On the other hand, the old B and C1 series vehicles are currently being equipped with new fire protection systems. And here there are always problems and delays.
For your understanding: MVG operates four different types of vehicles. The series A double multiple units were the very first trains on the Munich underground and were built from 1971 to 1983. Many of these classic cars are still in use today. But because they will finally be phased out by 2029, they will no longer receive the new fire protection. However, the type B double multiple units, which have been in service since 1987, and the continuous articulated trains of the C1 series, which have been in use since 2002, must be retrofitted. Among other things, you get spray mist systems that are intended to both contain the smoke and fight the fire itself. The current C2 vehicle type, which has been on the road since 2016, is already equipped with the new technology.
However, the fire protection systems are currently causing dispatchers greater concern. As we learned from MVG, retrofitting does not run smoothly in many cases. Some vehicles have up to 150 defects. Incorrect drilling or wiring quickly adds up to a longer list.
The MVG does not reveal who is specifically responsible for the defects. Just this much: The B-cars are retrofitted in the Siemens Mobility workshop by the manufacturer of the fire protection system, Wagner Rail. The company Railmaint is responsible for retrofitting the C1 vehicles.
As MVG spokesman Maximilian Kaltner explains, claims for damages have been made from the affected system suppliers, but he leaves it open how high these are. However, thanks to many discussions and increasing experience of the staff, the deficiencies have now receded. These would also be remedied at no additional cost to MVG.
Nevertheless, the vehicles are missing underground. This deficiency is exacerbated by another problem, namely the modern C2 trains. Here the fire protection system repeatedly triggers false alarms. According to Kaltner, this happens up to twice on some days – especially in winter. And even if there is no serious damage or even a fire, the driver receives a warning signal. This then means that the train has to go to the workshop and be checked there. According to Kaltner, this costs around 1,500 euros each, so the damage to MVG is immense. Overall, disruptions in fire protection on the Munich subway cost several hundred thousand euros every year. In addition, of course, there are the general expenses of 40 million euros for fire protection upgrades of the vehicles.
It’s not just the vehicles that need to be replaced
The conversion has been underway since 2022. And even if, according to the MVG, many things have now improved, passengers will still have to cope with restrictions on the subway network in the next few years. It’s not just the vehicles that need to be brought into shape or replaced; after some more than 50 years of operation, there is always work to be done on the network itself, which sometimes entails closures and significantly longer travel times.
This year there are two larger projects that are disrupting the timetable: Work is currently underway on the U2 line until mid-March, which is why it is interrupted on weekends between the main station and Hohenzollernplatz. However, she will be driving through next carnival weekend.
From mid-April to mid-June and from mid-July to mid-September there will also be interruptions on the U6 due to construction work. There will be a break in the summer because of the European Football Championship.
If you travel a lot on public transport, you should always inform yourself well in advance. The apps from the Munich Transport Association (MVV) or MVG not only show when public transport is running – but also when there are disruptions or interruptions.