Wiener Linien

Wiener Linien
Martin Ortner (contact via talk) · CC BY 2.5 · source
Name	Wiener Linien
Type	Public transport operator
Foundation	1999 (current form)
Location	Vienna, Austria
Area served	Vienna
Industry	Public transport
Services	Rapid transit, Tram, Bus
Owner	Stadtwerke Wien

Wiener Linien. It is the primary public transport operator in the Austrian capital of Vienna, providing an integrated network of underground, tramway, and bus services. As a subsidiary of the municipal utility company Stadtwerke Wien, it is responsible for moving millions of passengers annually across the city. The system is a cornerstone of Vienna's urban mobility and environmental policy, renowned for its high frequency, extensive coverage, and reliability.

History

The origins of organized public transport in Vienna date to the late 19th century with the establishment of horse-drawn tram lines operated by private companies. The electrification of the network was spearheaded by the Siemens company, leading to the first electric tram operating on the Gürtel line in 1897. Following World War I and the formation of the First Austrian Republic, the city gradually consolidated various operators, culminating in the creation of the municipal Wiener Stadtwerke in 1949. The most transformative development was the opening of the initial segment of the U-Bahn network, the U1 line between Karlsplatz and Reumannplatz, in 1978, a project heavily promoted by Mayor Leopold Gratz. Subsequent decades saw continuous expansion of the underground system, including the major U2 extension for the 2008 European Football Championship.

Network and services

The comprehensive network comprises five U-Bahn lines (U1, U2, U3, U4, and U6), which form the backbone of the system and intersect at major hubs like Stephansplatz and Karlsplatz. A dense fleet of over 30 tram lines, including the iconic Ringstraße route served by historic models, covers the inner districts and suburbs. Numerous bus and night bus routes provide supplementary coverage, ensuring service across all 23 districts. Key interchange stations connect with mainline railways operated by Österreichische Bundesbahnen at terminals such as Wien Hauptbahnhof and Wien Westbahnhof.

Rolling stock

The U-Bahn fleet primarily consists of modern Siemens V-type and U-type trains, with older T-type units still in service on the U6 line. The tram network operates a diverse array of vehicles, from the high-capacity Ultra Low Floor trams, a joint development with Siemens and Bombardier Transportation, to the newer Flexity models. The bus fleet includes standard diesel vehicles, articulated buses, and a growing number of electric and hybrid buses as part of sustainability initiatives. Maintenance is conducted at major depots like the Simmering workshop and the Erdberg garage.

Fares and ticketing

The system operates within the integrated Verkehrsverbund Ost-Region tariff association, allowing seamless transfers to other operators like Österreichische Bundesbahnen. Tickets range from single-ride and 24-hour passes to annual Jahreskarte cards, famously subsidized as part of the city's climate policy. Validation is primarily via electronic readers at U-Bahn station entrances and on board trams and buses. The introduction of the digital WienMobil app has modernized ticket purchasing, while physical tickets remain available at station vending machines and tobacco shops.

Operations and infrastructure

Operations are managed from a central control center, coordinating the schedules of hundreds of vehicles daily. The U-Bahn runs on a mix of underground, embankment, and elevated sections, with notable architectural stations like Karlsplatz designed by Otto Wagner. The tram network utilizes both dedicated rights-of-way and street-running tracks, with major junctions at Schottentor and Schwedenplatz. Power for the U-Bahn and trams is supplied via overhead catenary and a bottom-contact third rail on the U6.

Corporate information

As a wholly-owned subsidiary of the municipal holding company Stadtwerke Wien, its operations are directed by a management board appointed by the city government of Vienna. The company works closely with the municipal department for urban planning and the federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology. Major ongoing projects include the extension of the U2 line and the complete conversion of the bus fleet to zero-emission vehicles, aligning with the goals of the European Green Deal.

Category:Public transport in Vienna Category:Companies based in Vienna Category:Rapid transit in Austria