Graz ends free city tram and raises parking fees

Graz city council has approved the end of the free Old Town tram and higher parking charges from 2027 as part of a package of savings measures, ORF reported.

The free tram service through the city centre, known as the Altstadtbim, will end in January after 13 years. A free public transport Saturday during Advent will also be scrapped, and passengers will no longer be able to use the Schlossbergbahn with a standard public transport ticket.

NEOS and the Freedom Party called for the Altstadtbim to be retained at Thursday’s council meeting. Deputy Mayor Judith Schwentner of the Greens said its removal would not restrict mobility, describing the service as voluntary and saying it had to be cut for budget reasons.

From January 2027, parking in Graz’s blue zone will cost 3.20 euros an hour, up from 2.60 euros. The hourly rate in the green zone will rise by 20 percent, from two euros to 2.40 euros. The city expects the increases to bring in about 4.5 million euros a year.

Freedom Party economic spokesperson Robert Mörth criticised the increase, saying it would burden drivers, businesses and restaurants. He warned that making the city centre more expensive to reach could drive customers and spending to other regions.