So many people used the Wiener Linien in 2024

In Vienna, around 873 million passengers used the public transport network last year. Compared to the year 2023, this is an increase of 6.8 percent, as reported by the Wiener Linien on Thursday during the presentation of the annual report. However, the pre-Corona level has not yet been fully reached. In terms of subway expansion, there is continued confidence in opening the U2 extension to the south by 2030. The costs for flood damage can now also be quantified.

Millions traveled with Wiener Linien

According to the managing director of Wiener Linien, Alexandra Reinagl, the increase in customers also has positive effects on the so-called modal split. 34 percent of journeys in Vienna were made using public transport, which is an increase of 2 percentage points compared to 2023. At the same time, the share of car traffic was reduced to 25 percent, for the first time, as the Wiener Linien chief emphasized.

Meanwhile, she reported, there are now more regular customers of Wiener Linien in the city than car owners. Specifically, 1.3 million people now have a season ticket. They are equipped with an annual pass, network or youth tickets, or a climate ticket. This represents a new record high. According to Reinagl, the fact that the overall passenger numbers have not yet fully reached the pre-Corona level is due, not least, to developments triggered by the pandemic.

Many discovered walking or cycling at that time, she noted. Home office is also still being used more frequently than before. However, she added, with the opening of the long-closed U2 section last December, monthly figures are being recorded that, for the first time, exceed previous values.

"Platform doors are unfortunately not in stock"

The fact that the comeback of the U2 on the route between Schottentor and Karlsplatz was postponed again last year attracted a lot of attention - and also additional costs. The problems with the passenger doors on the section are currently being discussed with the insurance company and the executing French company, reported Reinagl. For those ground movements that damaged the already installed doors, the company cannot be held responsible, she stated.

The glass sliding constructions had to be partially replaced at that time. That took time. "Platform doors are unfortunately not in stock," Reinagl noted today. In the stations that now have passenger doors, staff is still present to monitor the situation. However, this is expected to change. The measure is expected to largely phase out by summer.

Flood, U5, Personnel Offensive

The millennium flood last September also caused massive disruptions in the subway expansion. The shaft at the future Pilgramgasse junction was flooded. The damage caused by the flood was today estimated at 6 million euros. However, the opening of the new U2 route is still expected to take place in 2030, as previously forecasted.

The new U5 is expected to start much earlier. The commissioning is planned for 2026, as Reinagl explained. The U5 will initially only operate between Karlsplatz and the currently under construction Frankhplatz station. Construction is also taking place in other areas: A total of 909 million euros is to be invested this year in the expansion and modernization of the network.

A focus in 2024 was also the personnel offensive, according to Reinagl. New drivers were trained - 337 for the tram, 105 for the subway, and 199 for the buses. In the coming years, numerous new employees are expected to be hired. This is necessary, it is emphasized, because many from the "baby boomer" generation will soon retire.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.