
Vienna’s U1 U-Bahn line remains partially out of service following a fire on Tuesday evening, causing significant disruption to public transport.
Services are suspended between Keplerplatz and Stephansplatz, with trains only running on the Oberlaa to Reumannplatz and Schwedenplatz to Leopoldau sections, according to Vienna’s public transport operator, Wiener Linien.
To mitigate the impact, tram lines 1 and O have been reinforced. However, many passengers faced overcrowding during Wednesday’s rush hour. On the D line, witnesses reported long delays and packed trams, with many unable to board. At Hauptbahnhof, large crowds waited as trams arrived already full. Commuters said journeys into the city centre were taking twice as long as usual.
Alternative Routes
Wiener Linien has advised passengers to listen for updates, take alternative routes, and avoid non-essential travel in the coming days. The U3 and U4 underground lines, along with S-Bahn services, are being recommended as alternatives.
From Thursday morning, tram line D will be extended to Reumannplatz as a substitute for the U1. Lines 1 and O will also remain available as alternatives. The night service on the U2Z will no longer terminate at Oper/Karlsplatz but will be extended to Reumannplatz. These measures will ensure connections between the Karlsplatz, Schwedenplatz, and Reumannplatz stations, Wiener Linien explained.
Cause of the Fire
The fire broke out on Tuesday evening in an empty special train, with no passengers aboard. The cause of the blaze remains unknown. The heavy smoke led to the evacuation of the Hauptbahnhof/Südtiroler Platz and Taubstummengasse stations. The train driver, who suffered smoke inhalation, fortunately avoided serious injury and is now receiving psychological support. Five other station staff members suffered mild smoke inhalation and are being treated at home.
It took the fire brigade an hour to extinguish the blaze, with 80 personnel and 28 vehicles deployed. The flames were fought by teams wearing breathing apparatus, and a high-performance fan was used to clear the smoke.
Repair work is now underway, but Wiener Linien has warned that the U1 line could remain split into two separate sections for several days.
Increased Traffic on the Roads
The disruption has forced many commuters to turn to private transport, leading to heavier-than-usual traffic on Vienna’s roads. The motoring club ÖAMTC reported significant congestion on major routes, including the Südosttangente (A23), Donauuferautobahn (A22), and Nordbrücke, as well as on the Wiener Nordrand Schnellstraße (S2).
Investigation Continues
Investigators from the state criminal office are working to determine the cause of the fire. Police have stated that, at this stage, there is no evidence of third-party involvement.
Wiener Linien has pledged to restore full services on the U1 line as quickly as possible, with efforts continuing around the clock.