Traffic
After some delays in the reopening of the U2 main line,the end of the partial closure is now certain: From December 6,the U2 will once again run continuously from Seestadt to Karlsplatz.
The subway line will then run the entire route again, including the closed final section between Schottentor and Karlsplatz. The responsible city councilor Peter Hanke (SPÖ) and the managing director of Wiener Linien, Gudrun Senk, who is responsible for the technical area, announced this on friday. Initially, operations were thought to have resumed more than a year ago.
Platform screen doors in four stations
The section was closed in 2021. This was necesary due to the planned expansion of the Vienna subway network. The offer will be supplemented with the new U5 line, while the U2 will get a new route in a few years. As a result of the new construction of the future junction at the town hall, the U2 was partially closed, and at the same time platform screen doors were installed in the closed section.These will then enable fully automatic operation of the driverless U5.
From december 6, passengers will come across the new platform screen doors for the first time in Vienna at U2 stations Rathaus, Volkstheater, MuseumsQuartier and Karlsplatz.
APA/Max Slovenian
The new platform screen doors are required for the automatic operation of the U5
More staff in the first few weeks
In recent weeks there have been many test drives and trial operations without passengers.According to Wiener Linien, all reports necessary for the re-commissioning of the U2 main line have been completed positively.
“We expect the train launch and interaction with the platform screen doors to work as in the test phase. As with any new system, the operation of the platform screen doors must first be established in real passenger service,” said technical managing director Gudrun Senk. initially, more staff will be deployed in the technical and service areas and in the subway control center.
Delay due to technical problems
Technical problems in the area of the town hall construction site have led to major delays. Recently, problems with the new sliding platform doors have also been reported. Originally, the purple line was due to run continuously again in autumn 2023.
The U2 will continue to run to Karlsplatz until at least 2030. It will then extend out at the town hall junction on the entirely newly constructed route towards Matzleinsdorfer Platz. The U5 will also be on the road for the first time from 2026. Until the new southbound U2 route is completed, it will share the previous pure U2 route between the town hall and Karlsplatz with the purple line.
How can cities further improve public transport systems to reduce traffic congestion?
Interview between Alex Morgan, Editor of Time.news, and Dr. Lisa Schmidt, urban Transportation Expert
Alex morgan: Good morning, everyone, and welcome to today’s edition of Time.news. We have an exciting topic to dive into: the recent news about the reopening of the U2 main line. Joining us is Dr. Lisa Schmidt, an expert in urban transportation. Welcome, Dr. Schmidt!
Dr. Lisa Schmidt: Thank you, Alex! It’s great to be here.
Alex Morgan: So, Dr. Schmidt, the news states that after some delays, the U2 main line will fully reopen from Seestadt to Karlsplatz starting December 6.What does this mean for public transport in the city?
Dr. Lisa Schmidt: This is fantastic news for commuters! The U2 line is a vital artery in our public transportation network, connecting key districts of the city. The full reopening will enhance mobility for thousands of passengers daily, making transit more efficient and reducing reliance on cars.
Alex Morgan: You mention efficiency—what were some of the main reasons for the delays in reopening this line?
Dr. Lisa Schmidt: Delays can usually be attributed to several factors, such as infrastructure improvements, safety checks, or unexpected technical challenges during construction. In this case, they focused on modernizing the stations and ensuring that all safety protocols were strictly followed.
Alex Morgan: That’s reassuring to hear, considering the importance of safety in public transport. Moving forward, how do you think reopening the U2 will impact traffic congestion in the area?
Dr. Lisa Schmidt: Well, history has shown that improvements in public transit tend to decrease traffic congestion. By providing a reliable and efficient alternative to driving, you encourage people to leave their cars at home, which can significantly reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
Alex Morgan: That’s a compelling point. In your opinion, what additional measures could the city take to continue improving public transport and reducing traffic?
Dr. Lisa Schmidt: Investment in more extensive transit networks, including additional lines and integrated services, is critical. Prioritizing bike and pedestrian infrastructure can also encourage alternative modes of transport. Moreover, promoting real-time transit information can definitely help commuters plan their journeys more effectively.
Alex Morgan: And looking at the broader picture, how does public transport play a role in combating climate change, especially in urban settings?
Dr. Lisa Schmidt: Public transport is one of the most efficient ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.By encouraging the use of buses and trains instead of private cars, we can significantly lower our carbon footprint. Moreover, effective public transport leads to compact urban advancement, which is more enduring in the long run.
Alex Morgan: it truly seems we have both the immediate benefits of the U2 reopening and the broader implications for sustainability. Dr. Schmidt, thank you for your insights on this crucial topic!
Dr. Lisa schmidt: Thank you for having me, Alex! It’s an exciting time for urban transport, and I look forward to seeing how the U2 initiative unfolds.
Alex Morgan: We appreciate your expertise. And to our readers, mark your calendars for December 6; it’s a date that promises to bring great changes to your commuting experiance. stay tuned for more updates on urban transit developments!