After 36 years of tireless service, Frankfurt's best-known streetcar driver Peter Wirth, affectionately known as "Bahnbabo", is retiring. Verkehrsgesellschaft Frankfurt am Main (VGF) thanked him for his commitment and his extraordinary way of interacting with people. In him, Frankfurt is not only losing a long-standing employee, but also a true institution that has made a name for itself far beyond the city limits over the years.
A career with heart and humor
Wirth began his career on 1 October 1988 and has since earned himself a firm place in the hearts of the people of Frankfurt. His approachability and unwavering respect for everyone, from young people to elderly passengers, has earned him the title of "Bahnbabo". The nickname came about when he challenged a group of young people in Frankfurt dialect and proved his fitness in a sporting duel. From then on, "Bahnbabo" became a synonym for his mixture of humor, cordiality and fitness.
Peter Wirth was also involved outside of his work for the VGF. The streetcar driver has supported numerous social projects over the years, including the MainLichtblick association, which supports seriously ill children. Wirth donated the proceeds from his book "Beste Laune mit dem Bahnbabo" to the association, making the heartfelt wishes of children in crisis situations possible.
Thank you from politicians and VGF
Mayor Mike Josef and Head of Mobility Wolfgang Siefert paid tribute to Wirth's tireless commitment to the citizens of Frankfurt and his role as a person of respect and role model. Wirth had built a bridge between generations and made the profession of streetcar driver a social enrichment. "We need people with character, heart, humor and attitude - not only in our transport companies," said Siefert. VGF Managing Director Thomas Raasch emphasized that Wirth, as a "figure of identification", had done the best advertising for his employer.
A look into the future
Although Wirth will miss the daily journeys and the contact with people, he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife and continuing his commitment to MainLichtblick. "I will continue to keep an eye on Frankfurt politics and stay involved", assured the former candidate for mayor, who won a surprising 5.1 percent of the vote in last year's election.
Farewell podcast
For all those who would like to experience the Bahnbabo in the original once again, there is a special highlight: in the 27th episode of the VGF podcast. In the 27th episode of the VGF podcast "Bahnsinn", he talks about his career and his path to becoming a Frankfurt legend.
The VGF and many Frankfurt citizens will miss Bahnbabo, but his traces will remain - not only on the city's tracks, but also in people's hearts.
