Vienna Metro: a scheme for active tourists and lovers of measured rest

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

Every year, millions of tourists from all over the world choose the Austrian capital. And this is not at all surprising, because it is the oldest city in Europe. Here you can see the traces of the Roman legions, the palace complexes of the great rulers, join the cultural heritage. It is very convenient to use the Vienna metro as the main mode of transport. The scheme intersects with bus, tram and suburban rail links, making it easy to get to any part of the city and the surrounding area.

History

Regarding the communications of other megacities, Vienna's metro is considered the youngest. The scheme in its current version was opened only in 1976. However, the first plans appeared already in the 19th century, and some sections of roads built at the same time are part of the modern network.

Initially, steam-based trains served the needs of the royal family. Further, the complex began to develop and serve the urban population. It had the name Stadtbahn, consisted of three main segments and the same number of auxiliary ones. However, this mode of transport was not verypopular. Due to its short length, it could not compete with the tram system.

Events of the first half of the twentieth century

So at the beginning of the 20th century, the construction of tunnels under the ground was conceived. But the First World War and subsequent problems in the economy stopped the development of communications for a long time. After the Anschluss and the country's accession to Germany, the issue of building the Vienna metro was repeatedly discussed. The scheme was very complex and ambitious. But even these plans were not destined to come true.

In the post-war period, the question of the need for the capital of Austria to have a modern subway was repeatedly raised. However, in favor of housing and other projects for the reconstruction of the country, the ideas of creating the Vienna metro were rejected. The scheme was supplanted by increased car traffic.

There have been attempts to create an alternative to underground roads in the form of bus routes. But the rapid increase in the number of motorists overloaded the roads and land transport could not cope with the tasks.

Establishment

In early 1968, the city council decided to build a subway. This was caused by objective indicators of population growth and the active development of all spheres of people's lives. Six years later, trial operation of the U4 began. Then other directions and metro stations were launched. Vienna has become one of the most convenient places to live and relax.

In general, the construction of underground utilities can be divided into threestage. The first covers the time period from 1969 to 1982. Then U1, U2 and U4 were built. Some of the old tram tracks have been converted to train traffic. The next item is laying the foundation for two new directions - U4 and U6. This work took place from 1982 to 2000. In the new millennium, the expansion of existing lines began. So, for the World Cup, new U2 stations were built, and then U1.

Plans

Vienna's U-Bahn currently has 104 stations on five lines spanning 78.5 km. By 2019, the city authorities are going to build 12 more passenger points. Another 11.5 km of the railway track will have a metro scheme. Vienna in Russian, like many European countries, has almost no signs, including in the subway. Therefore, tourists from Russia are better off getting an adapted card with a transfer.

Features

Due to the fact that the construction of the Vienna underground began quite late, there are almost no prominent features visible to passengers. All indicators meet global standards. However, the absence of line No. 5 can be noted. Her projects were repeatedly discussed, but no decisions were made. Also in the power supply system of electric trains there are slight differences from the commonly used options. But this does not affect the transportation of passengers.

Vienna metro map with sights is clear and simple. All directionsare highlighted in a separate color, and often tram, bus and commuter train routes are also indicated on the map. This allows you to conveniently plan movements and easily navigate in unfamiliar places.

470 million passengers use the Vienna Underground every year. Such demand appeared due to the convenience of directions and the quality of transportation. Thus, the development of the subway has significantly transformed the space: traffic jams have decreased, pedestrian streets have appeared, it has become easier for citizens and tourists to move in different directions.

Schedule and prices

U-Bahn in the capital of Austria is open from 5:00 to 01:00. In the daytime, the interval of movement is 2-5 minutes, in the evening - 5-8 minutes. Since the autumn of 2010, round-the-clock train traffic has been introduced with a frequency of a quarter of an hour on Friday and Saturday, as well as on holidays. Also, the night traffic of urban transport is supplemented by the work of some bus lines. For tourists, a route for visiting the capital has been thought out: Vienna-airport-metro. With it, you can get off the ladder of the plane, quickly and comfortably get to any place you need.

There are single tickets for all public transport. There is a different system of formation of trips. Depending on the purpose, the passenger can choose the right suitable version of the travel document. So, you can purchase a special card for 72 hours of travel, which includes preferential visits to museums.

There are also one-time, hourly, weekly and monthly payment options. Their price varies from two to five euros per trip. For children under six years of age travel is free. Adult students can also not pay on Sundays, public holidays and during holidays in the capital.