Munich celebrates 150 years of its tramway network

The city of Munich is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its tramway system, a milestone marked by official receptions and public parades. The network, which began operations on October 21, 1876, with horse-drawn carriages, has evolved significantly over the decades. Following the introduction of electric traction in 1895, the system grew to serve hundreds of thousands of passengers annually.

To commemorate the anniversary, a parade featuring both historical and modern trams traveled through the city, including routes from Theatinerstraße to the Einsteinstraße depot. The event included a state reception at the MVG Museum attended by approximately 250 guests. Celebrations also featured an open house at the Einsteinstraße depot, allowing the public to view various vehicle eras and gain insight into workshop operations.

While many tram lines were decommissioned in the latter half of the 20th century due to the expansion of the U-Bahn and S-Bahn, the network has seen a resurgence since the 1990s. Current expansion projects, such as the Tram Westtangente, continue to integrate the tramway as a vital, zero-emission component of Munich’s urban mobility and quality of life.