In a unique twist, MVG boasts a distinct accomplishment, one unrelated to rail travel.
In the heart of Munich, the Munich Transport Company (MVG) plays a crucial role in the daily lives of city residents, operating buses and trains that transport thousands of people across the bustling city. Among its extensive network, the MVG's escalators stand out, particularly at train stations in the city centre.
One unique aspect of the MVG's escalators is their length. The longest escalator in Bavaria, stretching 56.7 meters, can be found at Munich's Stachus, with another lengthy escalator at the Karlplatz U-Bahn station holding the same title. Other stations, such as Westfriedhof and Georg-Brauchle-Ring, are also renowned for their long escalators, making the MVG area home to some of the longest escalators in Munich's U-Bahn system.
The gentlest incline on an MVG escalator is at Stachus, with a gradient of 52 percent or 27.3 degrees. However, the steepest incline is found at Marienplatz, with a gradient of 70 percent or 35 degrees. During Oktoberfest, the MVG's escalators can even accelerate to a speed of 0.6 meters per second, up from the usual 0.5 meters per second.
The MVG's commitment to accessibility is evident in its MVG app, which provides detailed maps and operational status for lifts and escalators in the underground stations. This attention to accessibility is essential, as many users of the MVG's services rely on aids that hold various records.
While specific world records or unique superlatives beyond being "longest" or "notably long" within Munich's system are not cited in the available information, the MVG and Munich urban transport sources likely document such records if they exist.
The MVG operates a total of 772 escalators, making it one of the largest operators of escalators nationwide. Regular replacement of older escalators is necessary to prevent incidents like the one that recently occurred at the escalators between the main hall and the S-Bahn level at Munich Central Station.
Interestingly, the first escalator of its kind was put into operation on July 11, 1925, in Cologne's Tietz department store. In Munich, the oldest escalators in use date back to the 1970s and were in service at Marienhof. Until recently, there were still three escalators from 1971 in operation at Marienhof, which are currently being renovated.
The shortest escalator in Bavaria, measuring just 9.7 meters, can also be found at the Stachus. As the MVG continues to serve the city, its escalators remain indispensable, providing a vital link in the city's transportation network.
The MVG, being one of the largest operators of escalators nationwide, also houses some of the longest escalators in Munich's U-Bahn system, with the longest escalator in Bavaria being at Stachus. In terms of finance, the MVG's regular replacement of escalators is a substantial investment aimed at maintaining safety and accessibility for transportation users who often rely on various aids.
