Expansion of Munich’s Transport Network into Lower Bavaria
Landshut Joins the Munich Transport Association (MVV)
The city council of Landshut has voted overwhelmingly in favor of joining the Munich Transport Association (MVV) from the beginning of 2026. The move expands the MVV’s reach into Lower Bavaria, following similar decisions by the district of Landshut. The merger will dissolve the existing Landshut Transport Association (LAVV).
Benefits for Passengers
For many commuters in the Landshut region, bus and train tickets are expected to become cheaper with the integration into the MVV. This applies to both inner-city and regional travel.
Concerns for Disadvantaged Individuals
However, the city administration points out a potential drawback for financially disadvantaged individuals who currently benefit from the city’s social pass. Under the MVV system, they would face an increased fare of €2 instead of the current €1.70 for single tickets. To mitigate this, the city could consider purchasing single tickets for distribution to those in need or facilitating the purchase of discounted monthly MVV passes.
Financial Implications for Landshut
The city anticipates increased costs associated with membership in the MVV. The administration estimates additional expenses of approximately €385,000 in the first five years, decreasing to around €314,000 annually thereafter.
Advantages of MVV Membership
Despite the financial implications and transition costs, Landshut sees significant advantages in joining the MVV. In addition to reduced ticket prices, passengers will benefit from standardized fares and digital offerings, such as the MVV’s app-based flexible ticketing system that automatically calculates fares during the journey. Implementing such a system independently would be significantly more expensive for Landshut.
MVV’s Growth and Expansion
The Munich Transport Association has experienced considerable expansion in recent years. In early 2024, the districts of Miesbach, Rosenheim, and Bad Tölz joined the network, followed by Weilheim-Schongau and Landsberg am Lech in early 2025. Along with the Landshut region, Garmisch-Partenkirchen has also voted to become part of the MVV from the beginning of 2026.
Discussions are underway regarding the potential merger of the Augsburg Transport Association with the MVV, which would bring vast areas of southern Bavaria under a single transport network. However, the MVV emphasizes that extending its coverage to encompass the entire southern region is not an explicit goal. The current expansion is largely driven by financial incentives from the Bavarian government.
Resistance from Mühldorf am Inn
Other regions have encountered obstacles in joining the MVV. The district of Mühldorf am Inn unanimously decided in March 2024 to postpone its decision by one year. Concerns over increased costs related to the MVV’s membership have been cited as a significant factor, especially in light of financial constraints.
The district council has also expressed reservations about the ability of large transport associations with distant headquarters to effectively contribute to local public transport services. While large associations offer standardized ticket prices across a broader area, this advantage has diminished since the introduction of the Germany Travel Pass.
Financial Consequences for Mühldorf am Inn
According to the MVV, the Germany Travel Pass increases commuters’ willingness to accept the transition into a new transport network, as it minimizes changes in their daily travel experience despite the expanded coverage.
Nonetheless, the district of Mühldorf am Inn faces a time constraint in making its decision. If it does not join the MVV by early 2027, it will forfeit any financial assistance from the Bavarian Ministry of Transport for the transition costs. The district council must give its approval by March 2026 at the latest to avoid either being excluded or incurring significantly higher membership fees. The MVV has announced that the Mühldorf am Inn council will deliberate on the matter in April.
