Munich tests free last-metre mobility in its old town

It involves e-rickshaws and microbuses, and the target audience is people with reduced mobility capabilities

A month ago, the City of Munich launched a pilot project to test the viability of providing micro transport services between the subway and S-Bahn stops in the centre of the city and the pedestrian areas of the old town. For this purpose, residents can hop in minibuses and electric rickshaws in order to cover the distance between these sites, which often extends for over 500 metres.

500 metres may not seem like the type of distance that would justify the implementation of public transport services, but the reality is that it can be rather daunting for people who have mobility issues, such as the elderly, the infirm or people with physical disabilities.

That’s why the vehicles involved in this project, although accessible to everyone, are primarily meant for these groups of people as they need this “last-metre” mobility more than the others.

Here’s how it works

Microbuses, with a passenger capacity of six, run as a scheduled loop line in the city centre from Wednesday to Sunday, between 8 am and 10 pm, with a frequency of ten minutes. They will be available until 18 October.

There is also the option to catch one of the four electric rickshaws. These vehicles provide more flexibility because a wannabe passenger can hail them directly from the street (if one is unoccupied) or board them at the two fixed stops at Karlsplatz (Stachus) and Odeonsplatz. Alternatively, the e-rickshaws can also be booked online as a pick-up request to a specific spot. Available until 18 September.

Finally, people with reduced mobility can also rent an electric 4-wheel personal mobility vehicle. This municipal service is available at Marienhof, on the corner of Weinstrasse and Landschaftsstrasse, behind the New Town Hall. 

All three of the above services are free of charge. The City of Munich has set aside 650,000 euros to cover the cost of the pilot. After its end, experts will analyze its viability in order to determine whether to bring it back next summer or whether it should be included as part of the paid urban public transport network.