FC Bayern fans are facing a huge traffic problem around the home game against RB Leipzig next Wednesday due to an announced strike in local public transport, which is likely to cause considerable restrictions on match day of all days – and could therefore have a massive impact on the quarter-final of the DFB Cup
Last Monday, the trade union Verdi had already largely paralyzed local public transport in several Bavarian cities, with buses, streetcars and subway trains either not running at all or only to a very limited extent. Verdi had already announced further action at the time – and now the next date has been set: there will be another strike next Wednesday, 11 February
Munich and Nuremberg are particularly affected. In both cities, passengers must be prepared for buses, streetcars and subway trains to either be completely cancelled or only run to a very limited extent. The extent of the restrictions will depend on the willingness to strike
For soccer fans, the announcement comes at the worst possible time. FC Bayern will play its quarter-final match in the DFB Cup against RB Leipzig at the Allianz Arena next Wednesday evening. The match is scheduled to kick off at 8.45 p.m. The game is completely sold out with around 75,000 tickets sold
How can fans travel to the match between Bayern and Leipzig?
Normally, the majority of spectators travel to the match by public transport, but this is exactly what will not be available on this evening. Although the S-Bahn is not affected by the strike, as it is operated by Deutsche Bahn, the Allianz Arena will only be served by U-Bahn and buses
There are only around 10,000 parking spaces available in the Allianz Arena parking lot. Even on normal match days without a strike, these are always full and traffic jams are a regular occurrence. Traffic chaos is therefore almost certain at the match against Leipzig
How can the majority of fans get to the stadium without public transport? FC Bayern has not yet responded to an inquiry from FCBinside on the subject
Tariff conflict in Bavarian public transport
The background to the strike is the ongoing wage dispute in the Bavarian public transport sector. Negotiations are taking place on the local transport collective agreement, which applies in 20 municipalities. The union is demanding wage increases of up to 16 percent and shorter working hours
„Employers should finally respond to the high workload situation and the financial pressure on employees with an appropriate offer instead of looking for ever more bizarre reasons to justify their blockade“, explained Katharina Wagner, industry representative at Verdi Bavaria
The municipal employers‘ association, on the other hand, is offering at least five percent more pay and higher bonuses. In view of the current cash situation, more is not financially viable. Otherwise, fares would have to be increased or local transport services reduced
One thing is certain: if the strike goes ahead as announced, Bayern fans will have to be prepared for considerable problems. Anyone wishing to watch the cup quarter-final against RB Leipzig live at the Allianz Arena next Wednesday should plan considerably more time or look for alternative travel options well in advance
This Sunday’s home match against TSG Hoffenheim, on the other hand, is not affected by the strike.