How to get around Munich during the public transport strike

Munich's U-Bahn trains, buses and trams came to a standstill on Tuesday as a public transport strike called by the Verdi trade union began. 

The walkout started early Tuesday morning and lasts until transport services begin again on Wednesday. Several other cities in Bavaria are also affected.

It forms part of ongoing targeted industrial actions as collective bargaining disputes between Verdi and employers continues. 

READ ALSO: What commuters in Bavaria need to know about Tuesday's public transport strike

How much disruption should people in Munich expect?

According to the Munich Transport Company (MVG), the strike will hit the underground train network (U-bahn), trams and municipal bus routes.

However, the MVG announced that it would prepare an emergency timetable with priority on tram line 20 and the U6 subway line.

Additionally, MVG said it will "ensure basic service on all bus lines throughout the city", but that "depending on the occupancy rate and traffic situation, there may be major irregularities."

What are my other options?

Deutsche Bahn is not involved in this dispute so regional and ICE trains, as well as Munich's S-Bahn network, will run as usual during the industrial action.

However, S-Bahn trains may be overcrowded, especially during peak commuter hours. 

Other options include walking (if the distance is manageable), taking a bike, renting an e-scooter or getting a taxi or Uber.

READ ALSO: Will transportation strikes affect travellers in Germany at Easter?

What happens if I'm late for work due to strikes?

In Germany, employees are generally responsible for getting to work on time even when there's disruption to transport. 

Managers may be sympathetic, though, so talk to them to discuss options if you're struggling.  

Q&A: What are the rules in Germany for being late to work due to strikes?

Anything else I should know?

Elsewhere in Bavaria, transport strikes were also announced in Nuremberg, Augsburg, Regensburg, Fürth, Bayreuth, Dachau, Passau, Landshut and Schweinfurt.

Aschaffenburg is also affected by the strike, but Verdi has said that passengers are not likely to notice serious disruptions there.

And anyone heading to the Munich airport for a flight should be aware that back to back pilots and cabin crew strikes are disrupting a large number of flights by Lufthansa group airlines through Thursday.

The transport warning strikes are part of collective bargaining negotiations for transport workers across Germany's 16 states.

Verdi is fighting for better working conditions for its members, such as shorter weekly working hours and shift times, longer rest periods and higher bonuses for work at night and on weekends.