Every year, millions of tourists from all over the world opt for 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, to join the cultural heritage. As the main form of transport, it is very convenient to use the Vienna metro. The scheme intersects with bus, tram and suburban rail links, which makes it easy to get to any part of the city and the surrounding area.
History
Regarding the communications of other megacities, Vienna is considered the youngest metro. The scheme in its current version was discovered only in 1976. However, the first plans appeared already in the XIX century, and some sections of roads built at the same time are included in the modern network.
Steam-based trains initially served the needs of the royal family. Further, the complex began to develop and serve the urban population. It had the name Stadtbahn, counted three main segments and the same number of auxiliary ones. However, this type of transport was not very popular. Due to its small length, he 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 underground was conceived. But the First World War and subsequent problems in the economy for a long time stopped the development of communications. After the Anschluss and the country's accession to Germany, the construction of the Vienna metro was repeatedly discussed. The scheme was very complex and ambitious. But these plans were not destined to come true.
In the postwar period, the question was repeatedly raised about the need for the Austrian capital to have a modern metro. However, in favor of housing construction and other reconstruction projects, the idea of creating a Vienna metro was rejected. The scheme was supplanted by the intensification of automobile traffic.
There were 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 ground transport could not cope with the tasks.
Erection
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 human life. Six years later, the 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 three stages. The first covers the time period from 1969 to 1982. Then U1, U2 and U4 were built. Part of the old tram tracks was converted for the movement of trains. 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
Currently, Vienna's U-Bahn has 104 stations on five branches, which stretch over a distance of 78.5 km. By 2019, the city authorities are going to build another 12 passenger points. Another 11.5 km of the railway line will have a metro scheme. Vienna in Russian, like many European countries, has almost no signs, including in the subway. Therefore, it is better for tourists from Russia to get an adapted card with a transfer.
Features
Due to the fact that the construction of the Vienna Metro began quite late, there are almost no bright features that are noticeable 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 frequently used options. But this does not affect the transportation of passengers.
The Vienna metro scheme with the sights is clear and simple. All directions are highlighted in separate colors, and the routes of trams, buses and commuter trains are often indicated on the map. This allows you to conveniently plan movements and easily navigate in unfamiliar places.
470 million passengers use Vienna Metro annually. Such demand appeared due to the convenience of destinations and the quality of transportation. Thus, the development of the subway has significantly transformed 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 Austrian capital 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 fall of 2010, round-the-clock train traffic was introduced at quarter-hour intervals on Friday and Saturday, as well as on holidays. Also, night traffic of urban transport is supplemented by the work of some bus lines. For tourists, the route of visiting the capital is thought out : Vienna-airport-metro. With its help, you can get off the ramp and quickly and comfortably get to any place you need.
Single tickets apply for all public transport. There is a different travel formation system. Depending on the purpose, the passenger can choose the right suitable variant 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 options for one-time, hourly, weekly and monthly payments. Their price varies from two to five euros per trip. For children under six years travel is free. Adult students can also not pay on Sunday, holidays and during the holidays in the capital.