Vienna annual public transport pass set for another price rise

Vienna’s annual public transport pass is set to become more expensive again in 2027, ORF reports, after its price rose this year from 365 euros to 467 euros. The exact new fare has not yet been decided; an inflation rate of 3.5 percent would put it at about 483 euros.

The Wiener Linien, Vienna’s public transport operator, plans to adjust ticket prices at the start of each year, a new policy. Before the 365-euro annual pass was introduced in 2012, fares were increased only irregularly. Single tickets and monthly passes will also become more expensive.

From January, Vienna households will also face higher charges for water, sewage and rubbish collection. WIFO inflation expert Josef Baumgartner told ORF Vienna that if wages and pensions fail to keep pace with inflation, household incomes available for spending will be squeezed.

Baumgartner said inflation in Austria was more persistent than in other countries, where price increases and inflation rates were easing faster.

The prospect of another fare increase has drawn criticism from opposition parties. The Greens want a public transport fare cap and warned of transport poverty. The ÖVP called for an end to automatic annual increases and urged the city to make savings. The FPÖ blamed rising prices on transport councillor Ulli Sima of the SPÖ.

Wiener Linien said it was finalising details of annual fare adjustments based on the consumer price index, as announced last autumn. Further information is expected later this autumn.