Mobility - Microbuses and E-Rikshas for Munich Old Town
Starting from next Wednesday, electric Microbuses and Rikshas will transport passengers in the Old Town of Munich to their destination. The long-awaited test operation of "Altstadtmobil" in the city center was announced by the city. The Microbus route partially runs even in the pedestrian zone. During the test phase until the fall, the use 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. The transportation means are part of the public transportation in Munich, as stated. The city aims to help older and disabled people primarily with this project.
The Mobility Committee of the City Council decided on the test of electric mini-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 want to reach several destinations, as stated in 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 the 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 at 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 for customers at Stachus and Odeonsplatz 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 electric Microbuses and Rikshas are funded by the city of Munich, located in the Bavarian region of Germany, known as Bayern. The innovation aims to improve mobility within the city center, especially for older and disabled individuals who find long distances challenging. The Microbus route even extends into the pedestrian zone during the test phase.
