Cable fire forces Vienna S-Bahn onto emergency timetable

Vienna’s S-Bahn network is operating under an emergency timetable after a cable fire near Praterstern station, ORF reported. Services between Praterstern and Vienna Central Station are suspended, and Austrian Federal Railways expects longer waiting times.

The fire damaged 20 kilometres of cable overnight on Wednesday. It affected a signal box that controls track systems at Praterstern as well as Vienna Mitte and Rennweg stations, ÖBB spokeswoman Judith Winder said on the Ö1 morning programme.

All local trains from the south now terminate at Vienna Meidling or Vienna Central Station. The S7 airport express operates only from Vienna Geiselbergstraße, while replacement buses run from Vienna Mitte. The CAT service is also suspended.

Passengers travelling between Praterstern and Vienna Central Station are advised to use the U1 underground line, which serves both stations. ÖBB recommends travelling to the airport via Vienna Central Station on long-distance trains, which are operating as usual. Information staff are assisting passengers at the stations.

Repairs to the signal box are expected to continue at least until September 7, when the planned closure of the S-Bahn main line is due to begin. Trains are not expected to resume between Praterstern and Vienna Central Station until at least autumn 2027.