Trams in Vienna

Trams in Vienna

Type B and E1 trams at Schwedenplatz.
Operation
Locale	Vienna, Austria
Horsecar era: 1865 (1865)–1903 (1903) Operator(s) Schaeck-Jaquet & Comp. Wiener Tramwaygesellschaft Neue Wiener Tramwaygesellschaft Track gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) Propulsion system(s) Horses
Steam tram era: 1883 (1883)–1922 (1922) Operator(s) Dampftramway Krauss & Comp. Neue Wiener Tramwaygesellschaft Track gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) Propulsion system(s) Steam
Electric tram era: since 1897 (1897) Status Open Routes 30 Operator(s) Wiener Linien Track gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) Propulsion system(s) Electricity Electrification 600 V DC Stock 525 Track length (total) 432.3 km (268.6 mi) (2013) Route length 176.9 km (109.9 mi) (2013) Stops 1,071 Passengers (2013) 293.6 million
Website	Wiener Linien

Trams in Vienna (German: Wiener Straßenbahn, in everyday's speech also Bim or Tramway) are a vital part of the public transport system in Vienna, capital city of Austria. In operation since 1865, the network reached its greatest extent during the interwar period (1918–1939). Today, it is the fifth largest tram network in the world, at about 176.9 kilometres (109.9 mi) in total length and 1,071 stations.

The trams on the network run on standard gauge track. Since 1897, they have been powered by electricity, at 600 V DC. The current operator of the network is Wiener Linien. In 2013, a total of 293.6 million passengers traveled on the network's trams. As of 2013^[update], there were 525 tramcars in Vienna's tram fleet, including 404 trams or tramsets scheduled for service during peak periods, comprising 215 single cars and 189 motor and trailer sets.

The earliest precursor of the Vienna tramway network was the Brigittenauer Eisenbahn, a horsecar tramway. From 1840 to 1842, it led from the Donaukanal to the recreational establishment known as the Kolosseum, at the end of the Jägerstraße.

Some two decades later, several firms competed for a concession to construct an urban "horse-tramway" in Vienna. Schaeck-Jaquet & Comp prevailed. By October 1865, trams could be recorded as operating between Schottentor and Hernals, and on 24 April 1866, the route was extended to Dornbach.

Subsequently, the municipality of Vienna tried to persuade other firms to construct tramway lines. However, due to the difficult conditions, all of the competing firms (including Schaeck-Jaquet & Comp) arranged a merger, leaving the newly formed Wiener Tramwaygesellschaft as the only remaining firm. In later years, that firm built the majority of the Vienna tramway network. The social conditions were nevertheless such that labour disputes arose. In 1872, the Neue Wiener Tramwaygesellschaft was formed as a competitor, but was able to build only a network in the suburbs.