Germany began February with a familiar scene: silent platforms, stalled trams, and packed roads. A warning strike called by the Ver.di union halted or severely disrupted local public transport across much of the country on Monday, February 2, 2026. In many cities, buses, trams, and U‑Bahn systems stopped running for 24 hours, forcing millions of commuters to scramble for alternatives.
What was affected and what still ran
The strike targeted municipal and local transport operators roughly 150 companies, according to Ver.di so the biggest hit was to city networks: buses, trams, and many subway/light‑rail lines. In Berlin, Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) services were heavily affected during a strike window running from 3:00 a.m. on February 2 to 3:00 a.m. on February 3, with warnings of knock‑on cancellations before and after the official period.
Crucially, not all trains were covered. In many regions, Deutsche Bahn‑operated services especially S‑Bahn and regional trains continued to run, though crowding and delays were widely expected as riders diverted. In Berlin, S‑Bahn Berlin explicitly said it was not affected and added extra journeys to absorb demand. Some privately contracted bus routes also continued in a limited way, depending on the city.
Ver.di said the action covered about 100,000 employees, with Lower Saxony largely spared because different agreements remain in force. Auto clubs warned of longer rush‑hour congestion, and schools and employers still expect punctual attendance meaning families must arrange transport even when local networks stop.
Why Ver.di called the strike
Unlike strikes that focus primarily on pay, Ver.di has framed this conflict around working conditions. The union argues that local transport staff face intense time pressure, shift work, and “unfavorable” schedules that make recruitment and retention harder. Its demands include shorter weekly working hours, reduced shift lengths, longer rest periods between shifts, and higher bonuses for night and weekend work. In some states, wage elements are also part of the bargaining mix.
Municipal employers and transport associations have pushed back, warning that meeting all demands could force service cuts, higher subsidies, or greater outsourcing to private operators. That tension better conditions versus system capacity is at the heart of the dispute, especially as cities try to expand public transport to meet climate and congestion goals.
Why this matters beyond one day
A one‑day stoppage is disruptive, but the broader stakes are structural. Germany’s local transport networks are already under strain from staff shortages and aging infrastructure, while demand remains high in large cities. If working conditions are a binding constraint, unions have leverage: without a better deal, operators may struggle to recruit drivers and maintenance staff, worsening service reliability even on non strike days.
There is also a political dimension. Transport strikes hit daily life in a way that quickly becomes visible. For governments that want people to shift from cars to public transport, frequent labor disputes can undermine confidence in the system.
What commuters and visitors can do
If you’re traveling during strike periods, a few practical steps help:
• Check operator updates early. Local transport websites and apps often publish “emergency timetables” or lists of limited services.
• Use S‑Bahn and regional rail where available. These often remain operational, but expect crowding during peak hours.
• Plan for road congestion. When buses and trams stop, traffic rises and taxi demand surges.
• Consider park‑and‑ride or shared mobility. Some cities promote car‑sharing, bikes, and scooters as backups.
• Allow extra time for airport transfers. City networks often feed airports, so disruptions can cascade.
What to watch next
The strike was designed to increase pressure ahead of negotiations. Watch for whether employers offer concessions on rostering, rest periods, and bonuses areas that can sometimes be adjusted without large base pay increases. Also watch whether Ver.di escalates to longer or repeated walkouts if talks stall.
For passengers, the key question is predictability. If a settlement is reached, services may stabilize. If not, February could bring further disruptions especially if winter weather makes alternative travel harder.
Germany’s 2026 transport strike is a reminder that public transport is not just technology and timetables; it is also labor. When the people who operate the system feel the job has become unsustainable, the entire city feels it.