How to get around Frankfurt during the public transport strike

Trade union Verdi has called a series of warning strikes this week, including walk-outs for public sector workers across Germany and a major public transport strike in Frankfurt am Main.

Directly affected are the Frankfurt's U-Bahn and tram lines which are not expected to run at all on Wednesday - all nine metro lines and ten tram lines are affected by the strike.

According to Frankfurt's city portal, the U-Bahn serves as "the backbone" of the city's transport network so the strike is expected to be painful for commuters and other transport users.

However, passengers can turn to S-Bahn trains and buses that are still in operation.

What's still running in Frankfurt?

There are still a few alternative transport options available.

S-Bahn lines S1 to S5 as well as S7 to S9 are not affected by the strike.

Local buses are also operating normally.

Additionally regional (RE) trains and regional buses may be used.

According to Frankfurt's transport operator RMV, S-Bahn, bus and regional transport offers are all running according to their regular schedules.

READ ALSO: Frankfurt to see public transport disruption as strikes continue across Germany

S-Bahn lines offer a good connection between Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, the city centre and Südbahnhof, for example.

But passengers should be aware that buses and S-Bahns will face significantly higher demand and may be crowded.

You should plan additional time for your journey.

Alternative travel options

For shorter commutes, that are perhaps just a bit too far to walk, you might consider e-scooter, bike and ride share services.

Note that demand for all kinds of alternative transport may be higher than usual today.

Drivers may experience slightly higher levels of traffic in the city's congested areas as well.

Where can I find the latest information?

RMV notes that the union only discloses its strike strategy to a limited extent, meaning affected lines can sometimes change at a short notice.

It's not a bad idea to check for the latest information before beginning your journey. For this you can tune in to current traffic reports as broadcast on local radio stations, for instance, or call RMV's service telephone 069 / 24 24 80 24.

You can also check online at the RMV or VGF websites.

If you use the RMV navigation app, you can high U-Bahn and tram connections so that only available means are shown. To do so select "Womit" (with what) and then "Optionen anzeigen" (other options) and then untick the boxes for U-Bahn and Tram.

Other strike impacts

Frankfurt residents may also be affected by other public sector worker strikes in the region as these also in effect in the city and the surrounding state of Hesse.

According to a report by Tagesschau, Verdi also called for walk-outs in the following areas on Wednesday:

• Municipal employees of the City of Frankfurt
• Städtische Bühnen Frankfurt
• Frankfurt Höchst Hospital
• JobCentres in Offenbach and Main
• Cities and municipalities in the districts of Main-Taunus, Hochtaunus, Wetterau and Offenbach
• Offenbach Rescue Service
• Employees of independent providers of daycare centres
• Lahn-Dill Medical Clinics
• Public service in Wetzlar and the Lahn-Dill district
• Facilities for the disabled
• Care for the elderly