Widespread Public Transport Strike Paralyzes Bayern Cities Amid Tariff Disputes

A full-day public transport strike has severely disrupted bus and tram services across Bavaria on February 2, 2026, as the Verdi union presses for better working conditions and pay for transport employees. Major Bavarian cities including Munich, Nuremberg, Augsburg, Regensburg, Bamberg, Passau, and Landshut are particularly affected. Verdi anticipated that most U-Bahn and tram services would be suspended, pressing ahead with the strike since early morning around 3:30 AM.

Despite the disruptions, S-Bahn services in Munich and Nuremberg remain operational because they are run by Deutsche Bahn and not municipal transport companies. In Augsburg, transportation options are extremely limited with only eight trams and seven buses running out of a usual fleet of approximately 140 vehicles.

The strike forms part of ongoing labor negotiations involving over 9,000 employees across more than 20 municipal transport firms in Bavaria and nationwide. Verdi demands include reduced working hours, longer rest periods, and higher pay for night and weekend shifts to improve labor conditions.

A Verdi spokesperson in Munich described the strike atmosphere as positive and full of momentum. This action highlights continued tensions in the collective bargaining process for local public transport workers, deeply impacting daily commutes for many Bavarians.

While the strike has caused widespread challenges across Bavarian cities, the S-Bahn services' continuity offers some relief for commuters in Munich and Nuremberg. Verdi's firm stance signals potential for prolonged disputes if negotiations do not progress favorably.