“Why was Tram 29 discontinued?” A question likely echoing in the minds of Munich residents and visitors alike. Let’s delve into the story of this tram line that once connected Willibaldplatz and Hochschule München.
Tram 29 was a tram line operated by the Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft MVG. It ran between Willibaldplatz and the Hochschule München stop. This stop was located on Lothstraße at the corner of Dachauer Straße. The tram line 29 replaced a previous tram line. This line connected Hochschule with the inner city until December 13 2019. Tram 29 began operating on December 16 2019.
However Tram 29’s journey was not without its challenges. Vehicle shortages and staff shortages led to repeated suspensions in 2023. By July 2023 the line was no longer in service. It only appeared on stop signs and route maps.
In July 2024 the decision was made to permanently discontinue Line 29. This change was scheduled to coincide with a timetable change. The MVG cited increased capacity on lines 19 20 and 21 as the reason. Larger vehicles were planned for these lines. The cancellation of Line 29 faced criticism from a transport policy perspective.
But let’s rewind a bit. The number 29 has a history in Munich’s tram network dating back to 1908. After World War II in 1952 Line 29 connected Munich-Ramersdorf with Willibaldplatz. After several route adjustments Line 29 was discontinued on March 18 1989. Thirty years later on December 16 2019 the line was revived.
Over the years Line 29 has taken various routes. In 1908 it ran from Karlsplatz to Pasing. It passed through Hauptbahnhof and Willibaldplatz. In 1920 it started at Hauptbahnhof traveling to Pasing via Willibaldplatz. An express route was established in 1930. It only stopped at Trappentreu and Fürstenrieder Straße. In 1934 the route started in Steinhausen. It went through Max-Weber-Platz and Willibaldplatz ending in Pasing. In 1935 Line 29 went from Prinzregentenplatz to Westend.
After World War II Line 29 reappeared in 1952. It ran from Ramersdorf to Willibaldplatz. In 1956 it started in Michaelibad. It went through Marienplatz and Hauptbahnhof to Willibaldplatz. In 1972 Line 29 ran from Lorettoplatz to Willibaldplatz during peak hours. The final route in 1988 started in St.Veit-Straße. It went through Max-Weber-Platz and Hauptbahnhof to Willibaldplatz during school hours.
The story of Tram 29 is one of evolution. It reflects Munich’s changing transportation needs. While it may no longer be running its history is etched into the city’s public transport narrative. The final journey of Tram 29 between Willibaldplatz and Hochschule München ended in 2024. But its legacy remains a reminder of Munich’s tramway heritage.