A remarkable test has now been launched in the centre of Munich: under the name ‘Altstadtmobil’, a circular route (roughly in the shape of a double 8) has been put into operation in the historic centre of Munich on a trial basis using electric microbuses of the ‘E-Minibus’ type from Dutch manufacturer Spijkstaal.
The trial will initially run from 24 July to 18 October 2024. In parallel, electric rickshaws will also be offered from 24 July to 18 September. The aim is to bring passengers – especially the elderly and disabled, although MVG emphasises that the service is available to ‘all visitors to the old town’ – as close as possible to their destinations in the city centre. For example, to Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, Viktualienmarkt and Sendlinger Tor. Travelling on the microbuses is free of charge (at least during the trial phase).
The microbus service runs every 10 minutes from Wednesday to Saturday between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. – Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays are closed.
The microbuses on the route – four vehicles are available – come from the Dutch manufacturer Spijkstaal (see above) and are of its ‘e-minibus’ type. They can carry six passengers and there is also a space for a wheelchair, although the maximum width is 70 centimetres. A few technical details about the coaches:
- Length: 3,899 mm
- Width: 1,200 mm (it also fits through narrow areas in the pedestrian zone)
- Height: 2,130 mm
- V/max: 55 km(h
- Battery capacity: 25.6 kWh
- Working voltage: 72 volts
- Payload: 930 or 1,250 kg
