0
0
VIENNA, Oct. 3, 2026 – Vienna’s public transport operator Wiener Linien is accelerating its digital transformation, with the WienMobil app becoming an increasingly important hub for ticket purchases, journey planning and customer services. At the same time, some traditional services are being phased out as more passengers shift to digital channels.
According to Wiener Linien, the WienMobil app recorded around 1.7 million active users during the second quarter of 2026, underlining its growing role as a daily travel companion for residents and visitors alike.
The app allows passengers to purchase tickets around the clock, plan journeys, access real-time service updates and manage personal customer information. Demand for digital ticketing continues to rise, with the WienMobil ticket shop processing more than 2 million orders in the second quarter, representing a 36% increase year-on-year.
Route planning activity also increased, with journey searches climbing by around 10% compared with the same period last year.
New Features Added to WienMobil
Wiener Linien said the app is continuously being enhanced based on passenger feedback. One of the latest additions enables users to identify air-conditioned vehicles more easily, with such services now marked by a blue border in departure listings.
The transport operator described WienMobil as an increasingly comprehensive platform designed to simplify travel across the Austrian capital.
More Benefits for Annual Pass Holders
The company’s digital “WienMobil Vorteilswelt” benefits programme is also expanding. Launched in 2023, it now offers more than 80 regularly changing discounts and promotions across leisure, culture, gastronomy, retail and mobility services.
During the first half of 2026, more than 12,000 benefits were redeemed, an increase of approximately 30% compared with the same period in 2025.
From Nov. 1, 2026, annual pass holders will be able to access all available offers centrally through the WienMobil Vorteilswelt. As part of this change, the printed annual pass coupon booklet, which previously contained 24 offers per year, will no longer be distributed with annual passes. Existing vouchers will remain valid until their printed expiry dates.
Tap+Ride Pilot Gains Momentum
Wiener Linien is also expanding digital ticket purchasing through its Tap+Ride pilot project, launched at the end of May in cooperation with Visa Austria.
The system is aimed primarily at occasional passengers and tourists. Users select a ticket and then simply tap a debit card, credit card, smartphone or smartwatch on a reader. The payment method itself serves as proof of a valid ticket.
Since its launch, the system has recorded nearly 25,000 taps, with around 64% of transactions made using payment cards registered outside Austria, highlighting strong uptake among international visitors.
Ticket Machines and Service Points to Change
Despite the growing focus on digital services, Wiener Linien said personal customer support will remain part of its offering. Ticket machines across the network are being modernised to improve accessibility, particularly for elderly passengers and people with disabilities.
Older machines with very low usage rates will gradually be removed, although the operator said at least one ticket machine will remain available at every affected metro station.
There will also be changes to face-to-face customer service locations. The information and ticket office at Karlsplatz will close on Sept. 30, 2026, due to lower levels of use.
Wiener Linien will continue operating five central information and ticket offices at Westbahnhof, Hauptbahnhof, Landstraße, Praterstern and Floridsdorf. Opening hours will be regularly reviewed and adjusted according to customer demand.
As Wiener Linien pushes ahead with digitalisation, the company says its goal is to make transport services available around the clock while maintaining accessible in-person support for passengers who prefer traditional channels.
- source: vienna.at/picture: canva.com
This post has already been read 101 times!
