Servus, tunneling has begun at Donnersbergerbrücke as Donna Maria starts work on the long delayed Second Stammstrecke, which should ease S Bahn congestion despite rising costs and a later opening. Also: family reunification for people with subsidiary protection is paused; Munich will split waste charges into a base fee plus usage fee; the Wohnungsbörse won a national seal; U3 and U6 are due back by Oktoberfest.

1. Tunnel boring starts for long-delayed second S-Bahn trunk line

Work entered a decisive phase as the tunnel boring machine "Donna Maria" began tunneling at Donnersbergerbrücke for the Second Stammstrecke after years of delays. Despite soaring costs and a later-than-planned opening, Deutsche Bahn, the state and city say the new tunnel should ease congestion on Munich's S-Bahn network once completed.

Why this matters: If you use Munich's S-Bahn, the Second Stammstrecke is meant to reduce crowding and delays on central routes that affect daily commutes and airport connections.

Source: Abendzeitung München

2. Criticism grows over suspension of family reunification for those with subsidiary protection

Germany has suspended family reunification for people granted subsidiary protection for more than a year, preventing many spouses and children from joining relatives here. Critics inside the governing coalition say the pause causes long separations, legal uncertainty and humanitarian strain for affected families.

Why this matters: If you or someone you know holds subsidiary protection status in Bavaria, the suspension directly affects the ability to bring close family members to live with you.

Source: Tagesschau

3. Munich to split waste charges into base fee and usage fee

Munich's waste management authority (AWM) will change billing so households pay a fixed basic fee plus a performance or usage fee instead of a single residual waste charge. The idea is to more closely link costs to how much waste households actually produce, which could lower bills for smaller households but raise them for heavy producers.

Why this matters: This new fee structure will change your Müll bill; depending on your household's waste habits it could mean higher or lower monthly costs in Munich.

Source: tz München

4. Munich's tenant swap platform wins national recognition

Munich has been awarded a nationwide seal for its Wohnungsbörse, an online platform that helps tenants find direct swap partners to exchange rental contracts. The tool aims to reduce forced moves and simplify finding a suitable flat for people already renting in the city.

Why this matters: As a renter in Munich, the platform can help you find alternative apartments without competing in the open market, making a move easier and potentially cheaper.

Source: tz München

5. U3 and U6 to reopen in time for Oktoberfest despite current closures

Extensive construction work has temporarily interrupted Munich U-Bahn lines U3 and U6, but the MVG says both lines will be back in regular service by the start of Oktoberfest. Commuters should still expect altered schedules and replacement buses during the final construction phase.

Why this matters: If you'll be travelling in Munich around Oktoberfest, planned reopening should ease trips, but you should check MVG updates because temporary diversions and delays may continue beforehand.

Source: tz München

Before you go: Munich residents should check AWM notices about the new base plus usage waste fees before their next bill.