What began as a pilot project at Vienna’s Westbahnhof station is now being expanded to 12 public transport hubs. The “Ticket Zone” floor markings are designed to clearly indicate where passengers must have a valid ticket, helping them avoid additional charges.
In November, Wiener Linien tested the new markings at Westbahnhof. Signs were placed on the floor in front of the validation barriers leading to the U3 and U6 subway lines, informing passengers that a valid ticket is required to enter the area. The aim was to make the ticket-required zone more clearly identifiable for all users.
Positive Feedback For “Ticket Zone” Markings
The markings were evaluated over a two-week period. Passengers, along with test participants selected to reflect a sociodemographic cross-section, were surveyed on site to assess how clear and effective the markings were. In addition, walkthroughs were conducted with experts in transport, accessibility, and information design, providing further input for development.
Inspection staff also found the markings useful in their daily work, as they clearly indicate where a valid ticket is required. More than 98 percent of inspectors rated the measure positively in a survey. The term “Ticket Zone” was found to be easily understood in both German and English and was well received by non-German-speaking tourists.
Expansion To Additional Stations
Vienna’s main train station (Hauptbahnhof) is the first location where “Ticket Zone” stickers have been permanently installed on the floor. The markings will be gradually introduced at 11 additional major stations: Praterstern, Schwedenplatz, Karlsplatz, Schottenring, Volkstheater, Landstraße, Westbahnhof, Hütteldorf, Spittelau, Handelskai, and Meidling.
These stations were selected because they are popular with tourists and often used as underground shortcuts. In addition to floor markings, information is also provided at eye level near ticket machines and validators, as well as through the broader wayfinding system.
Up to 100 Wiener Linien staff members conduct daily ticket inspections across the network, typically working in plain clothes in teams of two or three. Last year, approximately 3.5 million passengers were checked for valid tickets. Of those inspected, 96.6 percent had a valid ticket, while 3.4 percent did not or presented an invalid one.
