Mobility - 1.300 Microbuses and E-Rickshas for Munchen Altstadt
Starting from next Wednesday, electric Microbuses and Rikshas will transport passengers to their destination in Munich's Old Town. The long-awaited test operation of "Altstadtmobil" in the city center was announced by the city. The Microbus route partially runs through the pedestrian zone. During the test phase until the fall, usage of the new transportation means is free.
The Microbuses have six seating places and are wheelchair accessible, as is one of the five E-Rikshas. These transportation means are part of Munich's public transportation system, as stated. The city aims to help especially older and disabled people with the project.
The Mobility Committee of the City Council decided on the test of the electrically operated small buses and E-Rikshas in February. Despite the good public transportation connection, the ways within the city center are often too long for these groups, especially when they wanted to reach multiple destinations, according to the resolution. In a survey, it was also found that many avoided or limited shopping and stays in the city center due to the long distances.
"With 'Altstadtmobil' we enable more people to visit the heart of our city. We not only create more participation for people who have difficulty walking, but also support the retail trade, which is particularly important for an attractive and lively city center," said second Mayor Dominik Krause (Greens).
"We know that good accessibility is an essential criterion for visiting practices, restaurants or cultural institutions in the center," said Economic Affairs Referent Clemens Baumgärtner (CSU). Therefore, he aims to establish the new system after the test phase.
The Microbuses operate on a Ringline from Wednesday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm in a ten-minute interval between Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, Sendlinger Tor, Rindermarkt, Tal, and Isartor. The electric Rikshas are available daily from 7:00 am to 12:00 am on call. They wait at Stachus and Odeonsplatz for customers within the Old Town Ring. Passengers can either board the E-Rikshas at the two stations, book them online at mvg.de/altstadtmobil, or simply hail them.
The new transportation means for Munich's Old Town, which includes electric Microbuses and E-Rikshas, are funded and supported by the City Council's Mobility Committee, hailing from Bavaria's capital. During the test phase, residents of the Commune, including those with mobility issues like the elderly and disabled, can use these services for free, helping reduce traffic congestion in the historic city center. The Microbuses and E-Rikshas will become an additional mode of transportation within Munich, particularly beneficial for those who find the city center's distances challenging to traverse, especially when visiting multiple locations.
