Wiener Linien Sees More Passengers in 2025, But Not a Record Year

Vienna's public transport operator, Wiener Linien, reported carrying 903 million passengers in 2025, a modest increase compared to the previous year. However, this figure falls short of the record set in 2019, the last full year before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted travel patterns.

Despite ongoing efforts to expand the public transport network, the company has yet to surpass its pre-pandemic ridership. In 2019, Wiener Linien recorded 966 million passengers, a benchmark that remains a significant target. The slight uptick in 2025 suggests a gradual recovery, but the full return to pre-pandemic travel volumes is still a work in progress.

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903 million passengers were recorded last year: This is a slight increase compared to 2024.

Looking ahead, Wiener Linien anticipates a considerable reduction in investment for 2026 compared to the previous year. This financial adjustment may signal a period of consolidation or a strategic shift in capital expenditure priorities. The company's ability to maintain service quality and pursue network expansion amidst potentially lower investment levels will be a key focus moving forward.

While the numbers indicate a positive trend in passenger numbers, the persistent gap between current ridership and the 2019 record highlights the lingering effects of the pandemic on public transportation usage. Wiener Linien's performance in 2025 reflects a slow but steady return to normalcy, with future investments likely to play a crucial role in achieving pre-pandemic levels and potentially setting new records.

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The passenger record from pre-Corona times was still clearly missed: in 2019 it was 966 million passengers.