Wiener Linien reject 2,000-job cut rumour as they seek savings

Vienna’s largely publicly funded public transport operator Wiener Linien is reviewing administrative processes and structures for savings, while rejecting rumours of a large-scale job reduction, ORF reports.

Managing director Alexandra Reinagl said claims that 2,000 of the company’s 9,000 jobs would be cut had no basis. The operator has more than 9,500 employees, and the scale of savings required is not yet known. The city’s contribution to public transport will become clear when its new budget is decided in December.

Wiener Linien is reviewing vacancies as employees retire or leave, considering whether posts need to be filled immediately, later, or reassigned. The company will continue recruiting bus drivers and workshop staff, Reinagl said, describing those roles as essential to its core task of transporting passengers.

Administrative processes and long-standing structures will face closer scrutiny, including management structures. The company has already delayed the start of work on the next stages of the U2 and U5 expansion to reduce operating costs. The first section of the U5, between Karlsplatz and Frankhplatz, is still due to be completed as planned but will not enter service until 2030.