Car-free in the center of munich - driving forward a bold new mobility concept for the Paketpost Quarter

A car-free zone right in the middle of Munich – the mobility concept for the Paketpost Quarter is setting new benchmarks for a city in motion. Seamlessly integrating urban mobility, sustainability and quality of life, a pioneering neighbourhood is being developed here.

The mobility concept is the heartbeat of this new quarter. A neighbourhood is emerging that sees mobility not as the problem, but as part of the solution – a place where people can move around freely, where roads become meeting places and mobility is designed to be quiet, clean and intelligent.

Developed by Systematica, an internationally renowned consultancy for urban and transportation planning, the mobility concept meets all requirements of modern urban mobility. It considers the needs of residents, neighbours, visitors and the environment in equal measure, creating an interconnected system that makes everyday life easier, safer and more sustainable. Here it’s not the cars that take centre stage, but the people. The aim is to make routes short, safe and convenient, to promote emission-free transportation and to intelligently connect all mobility offers with one another. 

The entire area is being designed as a car-free zone. Motorised private transport is disappearing underground – where parking spaces, access roads and logistics are intelligently consolidated. And above ground, a quiet, safe urban space is being developed that belongs to pedestrians and cyclists. Less noise, no exhaust fumes and more space for greenery, social interaction and movement: the Paketpost Quarter is creating a space for living rather than a space for traffic. 

Its concept is inspired by the philosophy of the ‘five-minute city’ – where everything you need on a daily basis is accessible within a short walk or bike ride. Whether you’re going shopping, taking the kids to nursery or going to a café or the gym: short distances reduce the need for transportation and promote active and healthy mobility. Thanks to its excellent connections to the city’s public transportation network by S-Bahn (city commuter train), tram and bus, the quarter is both highly accessible and seamlessly integrated into Munich’s mobility system. 

Zero-emission mobility plays a central role here. Over 4,000 bicycle parking spaces, safe routes, service points and charging stations for e-bikes are making micromobility convenient and attractive. E-scooters, pedelecs and cargo bikes are available across various locations and can be flexibly booked. Car-sharing and e-mobility are also firmly integrated, resulting in a mobility mix that creates freedom – without generating additional traffic. 

To ensure that the available space is used efficiently, a smart parking space strategy has been developed. For example, the multiple use of parking spaces by different user groups at different times was examined – such as by residents at night and employees of nearby companies during the day. This principle significantly reduces the need for spaces and contributes to the sustainable management of the quarter. 

The mobility planning is based on in-depth analyses of movement flows, accessibility and quality of stay. Simulations for pedestrian and bicycle traffic helped to make routes safe, intuitive and barrier-free. Events in the listed building of the former parcel post hall (Paketposthalle) were also taken into consideration: visitor flow can be systematically managed to ensure that mobility remains smooth and efficient, even during peak times. 

The result is a finely tuned mobility system that blends modern technology and human experience, reducing traffic, boosting ecomobility and creating a vibrant environment where movement comes naturally. The Paketpost Quarter shows what the mobility of the future could look like – sustainable, low-emission, digitally connected and full of life. 

With this new quarter, Munich is not only gaining a new district, but also a role model for urban mobility. A place that proves that mobility can be more than getting from A to B – it can also contribute to quality of life, climate protection and a sense of urban community. The Paketpost Quarter is synonymous with a city in motion that has a clear vision for its future.