Munich - XXL trams: Avenios in double traction

Since December 2022 Munich’s public transport operator MVG deploys the simple articulated Avenio T2 coupled with a double articulated Avenio T3 – this creates an extra-long vehicle that provides 261 passenger spaces. It is still less than the capacity of the 1968 built P-series (330 passengers), but still it is the most spacious tram in service in Munich.

The XXL trams are deployed on line 20 between Karlsplatz (Stachus) and Moosach which is the line with the highest ridership in the tram network.

What are the expected advantages? 20% higher vehicle capacity which can be flexibly reduced on low demand days by decoupling the smaller T2.

Personally, having known the era of the old M and P trams the always operated with two cars (power car and trailer), I like the look of this small train in the streets of Munich – though two T3 coupled together wold have looked way better. I wish my frequently used lines would get this capacity improvement too.