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Badner Bahn
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Badner Bahn
A mixed class 100/400 train leaving the Schöpfwerk railway station
Overview
Other nameWiener Lokalbahn
StatusOpen
LocaleVienna metropolitan area
Stations36
Service
TypeTram-train
SystemVerkehrsverbund Ost-Region
Operator(s)Wiener Lokalbahnen
Depot(s)
  • Wolfganggasse
  • Inzersdorf Lokalbahn
  • Leesdorf
Rolling stock
  • Class 100
  • Class 400
  • Class 500 (End 2021 planned)
Daily ridership35,000
History
Opened1873 (1873)
Technical
Line length30.4 km (18.9 mi)
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Operating speed
  • Oper–Schedifkaplatz: 60 km/h
  • Schedifkaplatz–Baden: 80 km/h
Route map

Legend
km
Opera
Karlsplatz
Resselgasse
Paulanergasse
Mayerhofgasse
Johann-Strauß-Gasse
Laurenzgasse
Kliebergasse
0.0
 Matzleinsdorfer Platz
Eichenstraße
1.0
 Marx-Meidlinger Straße
Flurschützstraße/Längenfeldgasse
Aßmayergasse
Dörfelstraße
Bahnhof Meidling
Wiener Linien
Wiener Lokalbahnen
infrastructure
border
 Schedifkaplatz
2.5
Schedifkaplatz crossover
3.3
Metro line U6
Pottendorfer Line
3.6
 Schöpfwerk
4.3
 Gutheil-Schoder-Gasse
5.1
Liesingbach
5.2
 Inzersdorf Lokalbahn
6.6
 Neu Erlaa
7.2
 Schönbrunner Allee
Vienna
Lower Austria
state border
8.4
 Vösendorf-Siebenhirten
8.5
Petersbach
10.0
 Vösendorf SCS
11.3
Krottenbach
11.4
Vösendorf crossover
11.7
 Maria Enzersdorf Südstadt
12.7
 Wiener Neudorf
Mödlingbach
13.8
 Griesfeld
14.5
Griesfeld crossover
15.1
IZ NÖ Süd
15.3
 Neu Guntramsdorf
15.6
Guntramsdorf crossover
16.8
Wiener Neustädter Kanal
17.2
 Guntramsdorf Lokalbahn
18.4
 Eigenheimsiedlung
18.7
Eigenheimsiedlung crossover
19.8
 Möllersdorf
21.4
 Traiskirchen Lokalbahn
21.7
Semperit
22.4
Aspangbahn
23.4
 Tribuswinkel-Josefsthal
23.9
Wiener Neustädter Kanal
24.1
 Pfaffstätten Rennplatz
24.2
Mühlbach
24.7
 Melkergründe
25.1
 Baden Landesklinikum
25.5
 Leesdorf
26.4
 Baden Viadukt
27.2
 Baden Josefsplatz

The Badner Bahn or Wiener Lokalbahn is a tram-train service in the metropolitan area of Vienna. It runs for 30.4 kilometres (18.9 mi) between Vienna and Baden, and is operated by the Wiener Lokalbahnen Aktiengesellschaft. The entire Badner Bahn is part of the Verkehrsverbund Ost-Region and is one of the most important passenger services owned by WLB.[1] In 2013, 35,000 passengers per day used the service.[2]

Route

[edit]

Starting from the Vienna State Opera, the service uses the tracks of Vienna's tram network as far as the Schedifkaplatz tram stop in the Meidling district, including parts of a tram tunnel. From Schedifkaplatz to Leesdorf in Baden and between Leesdorf and Josefsplatz, the train service has its own infrastructure, 25 kilometres (16 mi) of double-track light rail and 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) of tram line, respectively. These tracks are owned and maintained by Wiener Lokalbahnen.[3]

Since 14 December 2014, there is a new train station at the state clinical center (German: Landesklinikum) in Baden. Despite its addition to the route, the length of a journey could be kept at 62 minutes.[4]

From April until November 2024, trains will be diverted from their normal northern terminus due to construction. During this time, trains end at Quartier Belvedere station, near Wien Hauptbahnhof.[5]

Rolling stock

[edit]

Original 26 class 100 high-floor units built between 1979 and 1993 by Simmering-Graz-Pauker served the line. In order to provide headways of 7.5 minutes 14 low-floor class 400 units were ordered from Bombardier, they were produced from 2000 to 2010 and put in operation as double-unit trains with a class 100 units to provide accessibility.[6] In December 2018 Wiener Lokalbahnen presented the new class 500 Flexity trams designed by Bombardier Transportation (now part of Alstom), 18 trains were ordered with an option for 16 more,[7] 12 of those were taken in 2023. The new trams will replace all remaining class 100 units of which only 10 are still in service.[8]

Class Built Numbers Cars Length Width Weight Power Max. speed
100 1979, 1983, 1987, 1989, 1991–1993 101–126 10 (16 decommissioned) 26.750 m 2.40 m 37 t 2 x 190 kW 80 km/h (limited to 78 km/h)
400 2000, 2006, 2009–2010 401–414 14 26.942 m 2.50 m 35 t 4 x 100 kW 80 km/h
500 2021–2024 501–530 18+12 (+4 option) 27,82 m 2.55 m 42 t 4 x 110 kW 80 km/h
  • historical trainset
    historical trainset
  • historical trainset
    historical trainset
  • trainset from Cologne
    trainset from Cologne
  • class 100 and 400 trainsets
    class 100 and 400 trainsets
  • class 500 trainset
    class 500 trainset

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Badner Bahn

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Badner Bahn is a tram-train line that connects the center of Vienna, Austria, to the spa town of Baden bei Wien over a distance of 27 kilometers, serving as a vital link for commuters and tourists in the region's public transport network. Operated by Wiener Lokalbahnen (WLB), a subsidiary of Wiener Stadtwerke, the line has been in continuous service for over 130 years, with the company founded on March 22, 1888, as the Actiengesellschaft der Wiener Localbahnen. Initially focused on freight like brick transport from southern Vienna kilns, it expanded to full passenger service to Baden by 1899, evolving into a double-tracked, fully electrified route integrated into the Verkehrsverbund Ost-Region (VOR) since 1984. Today, it carries around 40,000 passengers daily—reaching a record 15.8 million in 2023, making it Austria's most utilized regional railway—with high-frequency service of every 7.5 minutes on the core section from Vienna State Opera to Wiener Neudorf during peak weekday hours. The modern fleet, featuring 34 air-conditioned, accessible low-floor trains introduced since 2022, emphasizes sustainability, with each passenger saving approximately 1,620 kg of CO₂ annually compared to car travel.

History

Origins and Early Development

The origins of the Badner Bahn can be traced to the , when initial plans emerged for a local railway to connect Vienna's southern suburbs with the of , primarily to transport freight from the region's numerous while also accommodating passenger traffic. These early concepts evolved into more concrete proposals, including partial plans in 1892 for accumulator-driven trains on segments near . By the late , the focus shifted to -powered operations as a practical solution for the terrain. On 29 September 1886, the Neue Wiener Tramway-Gesellschaft opened the first segment as a steam tramway from Vienna's Margaretengürtel (near Gaudenzdorf) to Wiener Neudorf, initially operated with traction before transitioning to ; this 8 km stretch served both goods and limited passengers, laying the groundwork for suburban expansion. In 1888, the Actiengesellschaft der Wiener Localbahnen was founded through the merger of the Neue Wiener Tramway-Gesellschaft with other entities, acquiring the existing line and assuming responsibility for its development amid financial strains from rapid and competing demands. Under this new , construction advanced quickly, with the route extended from Wiener Neudorf to Guntramsdorf on 27 January 1895, adding about 5 km and improving access for local communities. This phase emphasized the line's role as a narrow-gauge local railway—though ultimately built to standard gauge—to integrate with Vienna's growing tram network while prioritizing reliable service for workers and visitors. The pivotal concession for the final extension from Guntramsdorf to Leesdorf (near ) was granted on 17 , enabling swift construction despite economic pressures. The service to commenced on 11 May 1899 with the opening of the electrified extension from Guntramsdorf, while the northern sections remained steam-operated until 1907, completing an initial route of approximately 20 km and officially marking the "birth" of the Badner Bahn as an integrated local line operated by the Actiengesellschaft der Wiener Localbahnen. Designed to boost suburban connectivity and spa tourism to Baden bei Wien's thermal baths, it handled mixed traffic with on the northern sections. Early challenges included high construction costs that led to the abandonment of proposed extensions, such as the –Hinterbrühl branch in 1899, due to prohibitive expenses in the hilly terrain. This foundational steam era set the stage for later transitions to electric operations, with the lineage continuing through the modern Wiener Lokalbahnen.

Electrification and Expansion

The of the Badner Bahn marked a pivotal technological advancement, beginning with the partial conversion of the Guntramsdorf–Baden segment to electric operation on 11 May 1899 using 550 V DC overhead contact line. This double-tracked section, spanning approximately 8 km, allowed for immediate electric passenger services, while persisted for until the system's complete transition. The initiative was driven by the Wiener Lokalbahnen (WLB), which had assumed control of the steam-operated Vienna–Guntramsdorf line in 1897, alongside the existing electric tramway in , thereby bridging key gaps and enhancing connectivity to regional networks like the Donauländebahn. Subsequent expansions focused on integrating the line with Vienna's urban infrastructure, including shared track usage from Matzleinsdorfer Platz to the city center between 1899 and 1902. Double-tracking proceeded in phases to accommodate growing demand, achieving full implementation except for the terminal 2.3 km in by December 1906, in line with the original engineering plans from the late 1890s. Station facilities were upgraded concurrently to support higher throughput, with improvements at key stops like Guntramsdorf and Vöslau to facilitate smoother transfers and increased capacity for commuter and leisure traffic. Full electric passenger operations from Oper (Giselastraße) to Josefsplatz commenced on 1 May 1907, extending the route to 27.2 km and fully incorporating it into 's tram system for seamless end-to-end journeys. This milestone eliminated all usage for passengers and solidified the Badner Bahn's role as a vital regional . The deployment of early electric multiple units, such as the series and trams ordered in , enabled reliable 15-minute peak headways, dramatically increasing ridership to over 4 million annually by 1910 and fueling 's prominence as a destination for Viennese visitors.

Post-War Modernization

Following , the Badner Bahn underwent significant reconstruction due to extensive war damage to infrastructure and . Efforts began in 1945 with temporary operations for reliability amid power shortages. By December 22, 1946, full electric service resumed across the line from to , marked by the conversion of the overland section's power supply to 850 V , aligning more closely with Vienna's urban standards while enabling efficient post-war recovery. Bridging the interwar period to post-war demands, the introduction of new articulated trams in 1927–1928, such as the series 220/230, had addressed growing commuter traffic by offering improved capacity and performance on the expanding network. In the 1950s, minor route adjustments enhanced urban integration, including optimized connections at to facilitate smoother transfers with Vienna's core tram and emerging subway systems amid rising suburban mobility needs. A major upgrade came in the late with the procurement of series 100 trams, built by Simmering-Graz-Pauker from 1979 to 1993, totaling 26 units that progressively replaced aging electric vehicles from earlier eras. These bidirectional articulated cars, designed for dual-street and dedicated-track operation, boosted top speeds to 80 km/h on overland segments, enhancing service efficiency and accommodating increased passenger volumes without extensive infrastructure overhauls. By the 1990s, amid surging commuter traffic, the line's operations emphasized reliability under the oversight of Wiener Stadtwerke, which consolidated management to integrate the Badner Bahn more seamlessly into Vienna's broader framework. This period focused on and minor extensions to sustain the line's role as a vital regional link, setting the stage for later 21st-century renewals.

Route and Infrastructure

Route Description

The Badner Bahn covers a total distance of 27 km, linking the heart of at Wien Oper with Josefsplatz in the of . The line functions as a hybrid service, beginning on shared urban infrastructure within Vienna's dense city center before shifting to segregated tracks that facilitate higher speeds through the southern suburbs. This configuration allows seamless integration with Vienna's broader network while providing efficient regional connectivity. The initial segment operates as an urban tram over approximately 4.2 km along city streets from Wien Oper, passing key points like and Philadelphiabrücke, before reaching Schedifkaplatz in the district. At Schedifkaplatz, the route transitions to dedicated right-of-way tracks, marking the start of a double-tracked portion that traverses suburban areas including Vösendorf, Wiener Neudorf, Guntramsdorf, and . This mid-route section achieves a maximum speed of 80 km/h, enabling reliable commuting through the Thermenregion's gently rolling landscape. Approaching Baden, the line narrows to a 2 km single-tracked segment through the town's streets, culminating at Josefsplatz near the historic center and thermal baths. The full journey typically takes about 62 minutes, offering passengers views of Vienna's expanding southern periphery and access to recreational areas in . In 2024, construction on Wiedner Hauptstraße—part of broader urban redevelopment efforts including preparations for U5 subway extensions—necessitated a temporary diversion of the urban section to Quartier Belvedere from to , which introduced minor delays of up to a few minutes per trip.

Stations and Stops

The Badner Bahn serves 36 stations and stops along its 27 km route, providing essential connectivity between Vienna's urban core and the suburban and rural areas leading to . These facilities range from major interchanges in the city to smaller halts in outlying districts, supporting daily commuting, regional travel, and access to local amenities. Many intermediate stops facilitate service to residential and commercial zones, with platforms designed to accommodate the line's tram-train operations. Key stations highlight the line's role as a vital link in the Vienna metropolitan transport network. The northern terminus at Wien Oper functions as a primary center interchange, integrating seamlessly with 's tram and U-Bahn systems while offering ticket sales and information services directly at the station. serves as a major hub, enabling transfers to multiple U-Bahn lines (U1, , U4) and other s, making it a critical junction for passengers traveling within or beyond the inner . Further south, Inzersdorf Lokalbahn provides access to the operator's maintenance depot, supporting operational needs while serving local residential areas. At the midpoint, Guntramsdorf Lokalbahn acts as a transfer point for regional buses and local services, aiding connectivity in the southern suburbs. The southern terminus, Baden Josefsplatz, connects directly to Baden's facilities and cultural sites, such as the nearby Arnulf Rainer Museum, and has historically facilitated to the renowned by linking it to 's transport web. Among the 22 intermediate stops, several stand out for their specialized roles. Vösendorf Shopping City Süd offers direct access to one of Austria's largest shopping centers, boosting retail and leisure travel. Lokalbahn supports community access in the surrounding , while stations like Pfaffstätten Rennplatz and Tribuswinkel-Josefsthal serve rural and semi-rural locales with ties to local and . These stops, often with modest platforms, emphasize the line's function in bridging urban and countryside mobility. Plans for an additional station at Wienersdorf were advanced in 2024 to improve suburban access and integrate with local development initiatives. Recent expansions have enhanced the network's utility. The Baden Landesklinikum station opened on 15 December 2014 as the 36th facility, improving access to the regional state hospital and adjacent for medical and care-related journeys. Historically, stations like those in have contributed to the line's tourism significance by enabling easy access to the spa town's thermal baths and cultural attractions, a role that persists in modern usage alongside commuter demands. Accessibility improvements across the network, including low-floor vehicles compatible with most platforms, ensure broader usability, though specific station upgrades focus on key interchanges.

Track and Technical Features

The Badner Bahn utilizes standard gauge tracks measuring 1,435 mm throughout its entire route, facilitating compatibility with broader rail networks. The infrastructure comprises a double-track section optimized for efficient passenger flow and approximately 5.4 km of single- and double-track sections in urban areas, allowing seamless integration with street-level operations. This configuration supports reliable functionality, with dedicated alignments minimizing conflicts in mixed-use environments. Electrification is provided via overhead at 600 V DC along the urban segments in , ensuring interoperability with the city's system, while the voltage increases to 850 V DC south of Schedifkaplatz in the rural portions to accommodate higher power demands. Maximum operating speeds are restricted to 60 km/h in densely populated urban areas for safety amid street running and pedestrian interfaces, rising to 80 km/h on open rural tracks where geometry permits higher velocities. Signalling employs the Indusi system, a point-based protection mechanism common in Austrian railways, enabling across networks; dedicated track sections feature automatic block signalling to prevent collisions and optimize capacity. Maintenance facilities include depots at Wolfganggasse in for historical and operational support, Inzersdorf Lokalbahn south of the city center for comprehensive servicing and storage across 1,720 m of tracks, and the modern Leesdorf depot in for weather-protected stabling, cleaning, and minor repairs. The was originally designed to handle mixed freight and operations, a capability utilized until October 2025 when scheduled freight services to industrial sidings ceased on 17 October, transitioning the line to -only use with enhanced focus on grade-separated crossings and protections for improved safety and resilience.

Rolling Stock

Current Fleet

The current fleet of the Badner Bahn consists primarily of modern low-floor vehicles (LRVs), supplemented by a small number of older units used for backup purposes. All vehicles are electrically powered via overhead lines at 600 V DC, enabling seamless integration with Vienna's urban tram network while supporting higher-speed operations on dedicated sections. Maintenance is performed at three depots: the primary facility in Vösendorf for heavy overhauls, a storage and light maintenance hall in Baden-Leesdorf, and residual operations at the former Vienna site until its full phase-out. The Class 100 (TW100) comprises a small number of active units from the original 26-unit series constructed by Simmering-Graz-Pauker (SGP) between 1979 and 1993. These bidirectional trams, typically operated in paired sets, have a passenger capacity of approximately 150 and a top speed of 80 km/h, making them suitable for mixed urban and duties. Although largely phased out in favor of newer stock, they continue to serve as reserves during peak periods or disruptions. Complementing the TW100s are 14 low-floor, bi-directional Class 400 (TW400) units, built by from 2000 to 2010. Designed with in mind, these 28-meter-long vehicles feature wheelchair lifts, air-conditioning (retrofitted by 2022), and a capacity for around 160 passengers, often coupled with TW100 sets to form longer consists for higher-capacity services. Their low-floor configuration facilitates easier boarding at street-level stops, enhancing integration with the Verkehrsverbund Ost-Region (VOR) network. The backbone of daily operations is the Class 500 (TW500), with 34 low-floor single-section LRVs, with an initial order of 18 units placed in 2018 and an option for 16 additional units exercised, all fully operational as of July 2025. Manufactured by (formerly Bombardier) as part of the family, these 27.82-meter vehicles offer a top speed of 80 km/h, 440 kW power output, air-conditioning, , , and barrier-free access with dedicated wheelchair spaces, accommodating over 200 passengers including standing room. As of July 2025, the TW500 fleet had fully replaced most predecessors, including historical vehicles phased out over the prior decade, and now handles the majority of timetabled services with improved reliability and comfort. The procurement formed part of a broader €200 million modernization program, with the initial 18 units contracted for €94 million in 2018.
ClassTypeNumber ActiveBuilder & YearsKey FeaturesCapacityTop Speed
100 (TW100)High-floor Small number from original 26SGP, 1979–1993Bidirectional, paired operation~15080 km/h
400 (TW400)Low-floor bi-directional14Bombardier, 2000–2010Wheelchair lift, air-conditioning, couplable~16080 km/h
500 (TW500)Low-floor LRV34 single-section/Bombardier, 2021–2024Air-conditioning, CCTV, , barrier-free200+80 km/h

Historical Vehicles

The Badner Bahn originated with horse-drawn operations in the area, where a 3 km single-track, standard-gauge tramway began service in , serving local transport needs before the integration of power. In 1886, the line from to Wiener Neudorf opened as a tramway primarily for freight to , with handling passenger services until in 1907. These early operations marked the initial phase of the route's development, relying on conventional locomotives for the 25 km stretch. Following electrification in 1907, the Badner Bahn introduced its first electric trams, including the Series 200, built by Ringhoffer in as four-axle units capable of operating on both DC and AC systems via a switchable controller. These wooden-bodied vehicles, designed for 550 V DC operation, facilitated the transition to electric traction and remained in service for decades. Later additions included the and 230, procured starting in to counter rising road competition; these slightly longer and wider wooden-bodied trams, totaling twelve units, enhanced capacity with improved dimensions for passenger comfort. Both series operated until the 1980s, with the 220/230 retired by 1990 after multiple modernizations. Post-war reconstruction relied on modernized versions of earlier high-floor designs like the Series 220/230, which supported service recovery and operated until the introduction of the TW100 in 1979. Across its history, the Badner Bahn's fleet exceeded 100 units, encompassing , horse-drawn, and electric from various eras. Many have been preserved, including examples of the Series 200 and 220/230 in institutions such as the Verkehrsmuseum Remise depot and the Verein der Eisenbahnfreunde (VEF).

Operations and Services

Timetable and Frequencies

The Badner Bahn operates a regular schedule throughout the day, with service patterns designed to accommodate commuter demand between and . During peak hours, from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays, trains run every 7 to 8 minutes, achieved through the use of paired train sets to increase capacity on the busiest segments. In off-peak periods, the frequency shifts to 15-minute intervals during daytime hours on weekdays, providing reliable connections for non-commute travel. Evenings and weekends feature 30-minute headways, while service operates until around midnight, with limited early morning trains resuming from approximately 3:00 AM on select days, supplemented by night buses on the VOR network. The full end-to-end journey from Wien Oper to Josefsplatz takes approximately 62 minutes, reflecting the 30.4 km route length and multiple stops along the way. Partial services are available for local passengers, particularly between Vösendorf-Siebenhirten and , with some trains terminating at intermediate points like Wiener Neudorf to optimize operations. Seasonal adjustments occur during holidays and maintenance periods, such as reduced operations from October 25 to November 2, 2025, when rail replacement services may supplement or replace full train runs. The Badner Bahn integrates seamlessly with the network at key interchanges like Wien Oper and Vösendorf-Siebenhirten, facilitating easy transfers for passengers using VOR ticketing. Overall, the service is operated exclusively by Wiener Lokalbahnen, with approximately 300 trains running daily to support consistent connectivity across the metropolitan area.

Ticketing and Network Integration

The Badner Bahn is fully integrated into the Verkehrsverbund Ost-Region (VOR), the transport association covering , , and , allowing passengers to use standardized VOR ticketing across its network including buses, trams, and regional trains. Within 's core zone, a single ticket costs €2.40 and is valid for one journey on the Badner Bahn, while the full route from Vienna Oper to requires a VOR single ticket priced at €6.50. A 24-hour pass for unlimited travel in the core zone, including the Badner Bahn, is available for €8.00, facilitating seamless multi-modal trips. Ticket compatibility extends to the Vienna City Card for travel within the core zone, though cross-zone journeys to require a supplemental VOR ticket or an regional ticket for combined use. There is no dedicated for the Badner Bahn; instead, passengers rely on the VOR AnachB app or the easymobil app provided by Wiener Lokalbahnen (WLB) and for purchasing and displaying digital tickets. Key interchange points enable smooth connections with Vienna's broader network, including seamless transfers at Wien Oper for trams and U-Bahn lines, U for S-Bahn services, and Baden Josefsplatz for regional buses. This integration has contributed to sustained ridership by simplifying access to the line from urban and suburban hubs. Special fare options include group discounts for parties of six or more, reduced rates for children aged 6-15, and packages, alongside passes tailored for regular commuters covering unlimited VOR travel. was introduced across VOR services, including the Badner Bahn, in 2020 via card readers at ticket machines and on-board validators. All operations are exclusively managed by Wiener Lokalbahnen (WLB), with no third-party services on the line.

Ridership Statistics

The Badner Bahn records approximately 40,000 passengers daily, making it the most utilized regional railway line in . In 2023, annual ridership reached a record 15.8 million passengers, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by over 18%. This marked the highest figure in the line's 136-year history, with 2024 following closely at 14.7 million passengers despite nearly eight months of track closures for modernization. As of July 2025, the fleet modernization was fully completed with 34 new low-floor trains in operation, enhancing service reliability following the 2024 track works. Historically, ridership on the Badner Bahn shifted from tourism-driven usage in the early , primarily serving spa visitors to , to a commuter-dominated service after the 1950s amid suburban growth in Vienna's southern region. Passenger numbers grew steadily from around 12 million in 2014 to 13.4 million in 2019, before declining during the ; post-2021 recovery accelerated with the return to office work, culminating in the 2023 peak. During rush hours, trains often operate near or at full capacity, with the newer TW500 vehicles accommodating up to 160 passengers (74 seated). The line's high usage reduces daily car traffic in the south area by an estimated 23,000 vehicles, based on earlier assessments, while continuing to bolster Baden's spa-based economy through reliable access for leisure travelers. These statistics are primarily drawn from Verkehrsverbund Ost-Region (VOR) reports and Wiener Lokalbahnen (WLB) data, highlighting sustained demand even amid infrastructure challenges.

Recent Developments

Modernization Initiatives

In the early 2020s, the Wiener Lokalbahnen (WLB) undertook a comprehensive fleet renewal for the Badner Bahn, introducing 34 low-floor vehicles (LRVs) of the TW500 series to replace the aging high-floor TW100 series. Deliveries began in autumn 2021, with the first vehicles entering regular passenger service in early 2023 and the full fleet of 34 units operational since July 2025, enabling fully accessible low-floor operations across the line. The initial contract for 18 TW500 LRVs, awarded to (now ) in December 2018, was valued at €93 million, including 24 years of maintenance, with subsequent options exercised to reach the total of 34 vehicles. These bidirectional units feature air-conditioning, , power sockets, USB charging ports, , LED lighting, and enhanced seating for 74 passengers, prioritizing for users and families with strollers while operating at a maximum speed of 80 km/h. Station upgrades have focused on improving and connectivity, with key additions including the Landesklinikum stop, which opened on December 15, 2014, as the 36th station on the line. This barrier-free facility, located directly in front of the hospital, includes wheelchair-accessible entrances, a blind , and covered waiting areas, funded by a €1.4 million investment from the states of and , the federal government, and the city of to better serve patients, visitors, and nearby facilities. Plans for a new station at Wienersdorf (Alois-Lutter-Straße corner Mühlenweg) were announced in June 2024 to enhance pedestrian access, reduce wait times, and promote sustainable mobility in the region. Track improvements in addressed capacity and reliability amid urban construction, including a nearly eight-month diversion of services to Quartier Belvedere due to redesign work on Wiedner Hauptstraße associated with 's U5 subway extension preparations. This required temporary single-tracking and bus replacement services, particularly during a two-month summer construction period in southern affecting sections like Vösendorf-Siebenhirten and Inzersdorf Lokalbahn. Ongoing renewals, including upgrades, have supported consistent 80 km/h operations for the new TW500 fleet while minimizing disruptions to the 30.4 km route. In 2025, additional modernization work led to limited services during the autumn holidays from October 25 to November 2. Digital enhancements have integrated modern passenger information systems, with the TW500 LRVs equipped with (CCTV) for security since their rollout in 2023. Real-time tracking capabilities were added through the WLB , available since 2022, allowing users to monitor positions, delays, and routes via integration with the Verkehrsverbund Ost-Region (VOR) network. These initiatives have been funded primarily by Wiener Stadtwerke, the parent company of WLB, as part of a €6.2 billion climate protection program from 2022 to 2026 aimed at achieving Vienna's climate neutrality by 2040. The investments align with VOR sustainability goals, emphasizing electric mobility and reduced emissions on the Badner Bahn, which carried 14.7 million passengers in 2024 despite construction-related challenges.

Future Plans and Upgrades

The Badner Bahn is set to increase its service frequency to every 7.5 minutes on the southern section south of Inzersdorf as part of proposed enhancements to Vienna's network by 2035, which would necessitate additional passing loops to manage single-track segments efficiently. Sustainability efforts include exploring greener operations in line with rail decarbonization objectives, building on the recent introduction of energy-efficient electric that reduce emissions compared to older models. Feasibility studies from recent years, including 2023 reports on urban integration, are examining potential extensions to emerging Vienna suburbs, such as direct connections via the planned U2 subway extension to Wienerberg, enhancing links with the system. The line's annual ridership exceeded 15.8 million in 2023, supporting projections for growth through longer train configurations and digital signaling systems for improved capacity and reliability. Ongoing planning faces challenges, including construction-related diversions similar to those implemented in 2024 and continuing into 2025, which temporarily alter services to accommodate infrastructure improvements.

References

  1. https://www.wlb.at/en/badner-bahn
  2. https://www.wlb.at/en/web/wlb-en/about-wiener-lokalbahnen
  3. https://presse.wien.gv.at/kategoriennavigation/-/asset_publisher/zraFORwNk9Zp/content/135-jahre-badner-bahn-vom-ziegeltransport-zur-meist-genutzten-regionalbahn
  4. https://www.lok-report.de/news/europa/item/39834-oesterreich-135-jahre-badner-bahn-vom-ziegeltransport-zur-meist-genutzten-regionalbahn.html
  5. https://www.schongenial.at/en/b/the-most-used-regional-railway-in-austria
  6. https://www.geschichtewiki.wien.gv.at/Lokalbahn_Wien-Baden
  7. https://www.dokumentationszentrum-eisenbahnforschung.org/badner-bahn
  8. https://www.suedbahnmuseum.at/at/veranstaltungen/die-lokalbahn-wien-baden
  9. https://www.meinbezirk.at/baden/c-regionauten-community/damals-und-heute-baden-remise-der-badner-bahn-wiener-lokalbahn-in-baden-leesdorf-1932-bis-2021_a4789553
  10. https://www.strassenbahnjournal.at/wiki/index.php?title=AG_der_Wiener_Lokalbahnen_%28Badner_Bahn%29_WLB
  11. https://www.vef.at/strassenbahn/lokalbahn/100jahre-elektrisch/
  12. https://www.eisenbahn.gerhard-obermayr.com/stadtverkehr/lokalbahn-wien-baden/aus-der-chronik/
  13. https://www.railwaygazette.com/urban-rail/badner-bahn-lrvs-enter-service-as-more-ordered/63528.article
  14. https://austria-forum.org/af/AustriaWiki/WLB-Reihe_100
  15. https://www.eisenbahn.gerhard-obermayr.com/stadtverkehr/lokalbahn-wien-baden/die-triebwagen-der-reihe-100/
  16. https://www.wienerstadtwerke.at/documents/13372843/16367761/WSTW_Finanzbericht_2022.pdf
  17. https://www.wlb.at/de/badner-bahn
  18. https://www.rail-pass.com/badner-bahn-tramline-railway
  19. https://presse.wien.gv.at/presse/2024/03/18/badner-bahn-umleitung-in-wien-bis-november-wegen-sperre-wiedner-hauptstrasse
  20. https://www.wlb.at/o/document/badner-bahn_fahrplan_baden-bis-quartier-belvedere-ab02042024
  21. https://www.wlb.at/en/web/wlb-en/tickets
  22. https://www.wienerwald.info/en/infrastructure/a-baden-josefsplatz-train-station
  23. https://www.traiskirchen.gv.at/news/neue-badner-bahn-station-in-wienersdorf/
  24. https://www.ots.at/presseaussendung/OTS_20141215_OTS0163/wiener-lokalbahnen-eroeffnen-36-badner-bahn-haltestelle
  25. https://www.wlb.at/en/web/wlb-en/accessible-mobility
  26. https://www.railwaygazette.com/urban-rail/wiener-lokalbahnen-inaugurates-new-depot/46182.article
  27. https://www.vol.at/modern-badner-bahn-storage-hall-in-baden-leesdorf-begins-full-operation/9323648
  28. https://www.noen.at/moedling/neue-gleisverbindung-nach-126-jahren-gueterverkehr-aus-durch-guntramsdorf-494777694
  29. https://www.railvolution.net/news/wlb-s-class-tw500-in-passenger-service
  30. https://www.strassenbahnjournal.at/wiki/index.php?title=Reihe_400_WLB
  31. https://www.wienerstadtwerke.at/o/document/wstw_financial_report_2021
  32. https://www.vol.at/modernization-of-the-badner-bahn-completed-34-new-trains-in-operation/9571526
  33. https://www.railwaypro.com/wp/wiener-lokalbahnen-unveils-the-design-of-the-new-lrvs/
  34. https://www.railway-news.com/bombardier-to-supply-and-maintain-18-tw500-flexity-trams-for-vienna/
  35. https://www.urban-transport-magazine.com/en/new-design-of-bombardier-flexity-tram-unveiled-for-wiener-lokalbahn/
  36. https://www.aeiou.at/aeiou.stamp.1988.880322b
  37. https://www.bahnreiseberichte.de/106-MonteGeneroso-Wien-Ilztal/index.htm
  38. https://presse.wien.gv.at/2021/10/01/verkehrsnostalgie-historische-badner-bahn-uebersiedelt-ins-verkehrsmuseum-remise
  39. https://www.vor.at/unternehmen/presse/vor-badner-bahn-wien-und-noe-bringen-fahrplanverbesserungen-auf-schiene
  40. https://www.wlb.at/fahrplan
  41. https://www.wlb.at/o/document/fahrplan-badner-bahn-ab-30112024
  42. https://www.city-walks.info/Baden-in-Austria/Arrival-Badner-Bahn.html
  43. https://www.wlb.at/modernisierungsarbeiten-in-den-herbstferien
  44. https://www.wienerlinien.at/fahrplaene
  45. https://www.wlb.at/badner-bahn
  46. https://www.wlb.at/web/wlb-en/tickets
  47. https://www.wienerlinien.at/web/wl-en/tickets/core-zone-of-vienna
  48. https://www.wien.gv.at/english/transportation-urbanplanning/public-transport/
  49. https://www.vor.at/en/contact/frequently-asked-questions-faq
  50. https://moovitapp.com/index/en/public_transit-line-BB-Wien-3901-1720393-111099297-1
  51. https://www.vor.at/aktuelles/news/news/badner-bahn-fahrgastzahlen-erreichten-2023-neues-rekordhoch-1
  52. https://www.wlb.at/14-7-millionen-fahrgaeste-fuhren-2024-mit-der-badner-bahn
  53. https://traiskirchen.gv.at/suche/135-jahre-badner-bahn/
  54. https://www.vipress.at/wiener-lokalbahnen/news/meldung/3638/
  55. https://www.railwaypro.com/wp/interior-design-for-wiener-lokalbahnen-new-tram-unveiled/
  56. https://www.noe.gv.at/noe/pressAnnouncement/getPdf/68072
  57. https://www.wienerstadtwerke.at/o/document/ws23_010_financeframework_engl_lay01
  58. https://www.wlb.at/en/14-7-millionen-fahrgaeste-fuhren-2024-mit-der-badner-bahn
  59. https://www.vol.at/badner-bahn-operates-with-limited-service-during-the-autumn-holidays/9727193
  60. https://www.meinbezirk.at/wien/c-politik/gruene-wollen-17-neue-bim-linien-fuer-wien_a7199003
  61. https://www.bmimi.gv.at/themen/mobilitaet/mobilitaetsmasterplan/mmp2030.html
  62. https://wien.orf.at/stories/3297052/
  63. https://www.vienna.at/drei-wiener-u-bahn-linien-konnten-bis-2035-verlangert-werden/9280331
  64. https://www.wlb.at/badner-bahn-fahrgastzahlen-erreichten-2023-neues-rekordhoch
  65. https://www.noen.at/baden/modernisierungsarbeiten-herbstferien-badner-bahn-faehrt-nur-eingeschraenkt-493496406
  66. https://www.meinbezirk.at/baden/c-lokales/eingeschraenkter-betrieb-der-badner-bahn-in-den-herbstferien_a7762754
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