Vienna Public Transport Sees Significant Increase in Passengers

In the previous year, Vienna's public transport network recorded approximately 873 million passenger journeys, reflecting a 6.8% increase compared to 2023, as reported by Wiener Linien during their annual financial presentation. However, this figure has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.

Alexandra Reinagl, the managing director of Wiener Linien, indicated that the rise in passenger numbers positively impacts the city's modal split. Public transport accounted for 34% of all trips in Vienna, marking a 2% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the share of car traffic has been reduced to 25%, a notable milestone highlighted by Reinagl.

More residents are now regular users of Wiener Linien than car owners, with 1.3 million individuals holding a monthly pass, including annual, regional, youth, or climate tickets. This number represents a new record for the city. Reinagl noted that the slower recovery to pre-COVID levels can be attributed to shifts in behavior during the pandemic, where many individuals discovered walking or cycling as viable alternatives. Remote work continues to be more prevalent than before, which has impacted public transport usage.

Despite not reaching pre-pandemic figures overall, passenger numbers have surged following the reopening of the long-awaited U2 section between Schottentor and Karlsplatz in December 2024. The delay in the U2's return attracted significant attention and incurred additional costs. Current discussions with the involved insurance and the French contractor are addressing issues regarding damaged passenger doors. Reinagl stated that while the contractor is not liable for the damage caused by earth movements, the replacement of glass sliding doors took longer than anticipated due to supply issues.

Currently, stations equipped with passenger doors still have personnel present to monitor operations, although this is expected to change by summer. Looking ahead, the U2 extension to the south is slated for completion in 2030. Meanwhile, the U5 line is on track for a 2026 launch, initially operating between Karlsplatz and the under-construction Frankhplatz station.

Investment in network expansion and modernization is a priority, with a projected expenditure of 909 million euros for the current year. In 2024, a significant focus will be on hiring new personnel, including 337 tram drivers, 105 subway operators, and 199 bus drivers. Continuous recruitment will be essential as many employees from the 'baby boomer' generation approach retirement.