How would you sum up your achievements when looking back at the past year?

Andrle: We have every reason to be satisfied when looking at the current balance sheet figures because this is proof of the fact that we have worked together extremely successfully over the past few years. In 2009, Wiener Linien passenger numbers rose once again for the sixth time in a row – in spite of the fact that, in the year before, numbers had increased dramatically as a result of European Football Championship. A total of 811.8 million passengers took advantage of Wiener Linien’s public transport services in 2009. This equates to an average of 2.2 million passengers every day.

What do you attribute this rise to?

Steinbauer: Without a doubt, this consistent rise in passenger numbers leading to the peak we have just reached is largely due to the excellent and, when compared internationally, impressive value for money we offer. In a comparison of the cost of single journey tickets in 21 cities, only three were cheaper than Wiener Linien – and all three operated networks considerably smaller than the one in Vienna. German cities of a similar size to Vienna are significantly more expensive. Similarly, many smaller cities (with correspondingly smaller public transport networks) have considerably higher ticket prices than Wiener Linien. Moreover, the cost of an annual season ticket for Wiener Linien offers particular value for money compared to other countries.

So all eyes of the public transport world are on Vienna?

Lichtenegger: It goes without saying that our performance enjoys international acclaim. It was with good reason that Vienna played host to the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) World Congress in 2009, making it the ‘Global Capital for Public Transport’ for a period of almost a week. This was indeed the fifth time that Vienna has hosted the UITP World Congress. Transport experts from around the world came to the congress to attend presentations and associated events as well as to go on visits to see and hear about the latest developments in the field of public transport. This was also the perfect opportunity for us to present a public transport system which stands out on the international stage. We did, however, have another objective in mind which was just as important: to show the population of Vienna and the surrounding region that ‘their’ good public transport system is also internationally recognised.

2009 has gone down in history as the year of the crisis. How well has Wiener Linien weathered the economic downturn?

Andrle: Our programme of investment in 2009 helped to ease the situation for many people, particularly those in the construction industry. This once again testifies to the fact that, and in spite of the difficulties in 2009, Wiener Linien continues to play a key role in promoting both economic activity and the attractiveness of Vienna, creating and safeguarding thousands of jobs.