Safety on public transport

Here you can read what we do to ensure your safety and how you can get help in an emergency. Not sure whether it's an emergency? Our rule is: when in doubt, it's an emergency. Don't hesitate to use the safety equipment. We are always nearby and there for you!

Someone has fallen onto the tracks. What should I do?

  • Run to the green SOS sign on the platform. There you will find the emergency stop button and emergency call button.
  • Pull the emergency stop button. All trains in the vicinity of the station will be brought to a forced stop.
  • Press the emergency call button and tell the control centre what has happened. The control centre will send emergency services.
  • Do not go onto the tracks! Stay close to the person who needs help. Not being alone is reassuring.

I have fallen onto the tracks myself. What can I do?

Immediately take shelter in the recess under the platform. You will be protected there until help arrives (on the U1, U2, U3 and U4 lines).

I have dropped an object onto the tracks. What should I do?

Do not go onto the tracks! Notify our staff at the station or use the emergency button to let them know. We will ensure that the object is retrieved safely.

Getting help on the platform: Look out for the SOS sign

The green SOS sign above the platform shows you where to find the emergency call and train emergency stop. Use the safety equipment if you find yourself in an emergency situation or if you witness a dangerous or unpleasant incident!

Press the emergency button, pull the train emergency stop

When you press the emergency button, you will be connected to the operations centre. Tell our staff what has happened. Our staff will call the emergency services and initiate all necessary measures.

At the same time, the camera image is transmitted to the control centre monitor and the recording is stored for a maximum of 120 hours. The video material can then be requested by the police, for example, to investigate a crime. If this does not happen within 120 hours, the recording must be deleted. It is therefore important that you use the emergency call button immediately and get help.

If you pull the emergency brake, no trains will be able to enter or leave the station. Pull the emergency brake if someone falls onto the tracks.

Getting help on the train: emergency call point and train emergency stop next to the door

In underground trains and in ULF and Flexity trams, you will find an emergency call point and emergency brake right next to the door. When you press the emergency button, a voice connection is established with the train driver. There is no loud signal, so you can call for help discreetly.

On our buses, you will find an emergency signal button next to every door that you can use to call for help.

Press the button if you feel threatened or observe a disturbing situation.

Our security service is there for you

Two employees of the Wiener Linien security service on patrol
Our security service is there for you!
© Johannes Zinner/Wiener Linien

Our security and service staff are exclusively responsible for the safety and service of our passengers. They are specially trained for their tasks and have completed training courses on house rules, customer service, safety equipment, network knowledge, de-escalation, diversity and first aid. Please contact them if you feel unsafe or have any questions.

The aim of our security team is to ensure compliance with house rules and to intervene in difficult situations in a de-escalating manner. One thing is clear: the police are and remain the first port of call for crime prevention and security.

Video surveillance in stations and vehicles

Wiener Linien also uses video surveillance to ensure the safety of our passengers and employees. A total of over 15,000 cameras are in use across the public transport network.

All Vienna underground stations are equipped with permanent video surveillance. The cameras in the underground stations record events continuously. The recordings are automatically deleted after 48 hours. All Wiener Linien lifts are also equipped with video surveillance and an emergency call point so that you can quickly get help in an emergency. When you press the emergency button, a voice connection is established with the control centre and the camera image is transmitted directly to the control centre; the staff at the control centre then take all necessary action.

Our vehicles are also equipped with cameras that store the recordings for 48 hours.

Evaluation of video recordings

Video surveillance in public spaces is strictly regulated by law and is subject to supervision by the Data Protection Authority of the Republic of AustriaOpens in a new tab. It is therefore not at our discretion to decide whether video material is published or passed on. This can only happen if the police request the material to clarify a criminal offence.

In order to evaluate the recordings, e.g. to investigate a crime, the images must be requested by the police. Without a police request, Wiener Linien is not authorised to evaluate recordings. It is therefore important that you use the emergency call facilities in case of danger and seek help immediately so that the police can request the data from Wiener Linien in good time.

Safety for women on public transport

A woman and a service employee on an underground train
Our employees are trained in safety for women
© Johannes Zinner/Wiener Linien

Safety for women and how to respond appropriately to incidents are an integral part of our security service training. However, other people who witness an assault on a woman in a public space also have an important role to play: look and help, but without putting yourself in danger!

You can help without putting yourself at risk: use our safety equipment!

Use the defibrillator

Defibrillator in an underground station
Defibrillators can be found in many public places, e.g. in underground stations.
© Johannes Zinner/Wiener Linien

A defibrillator stops life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. It is important that it is used immediately. Defibrillators can be found at the following hubs in the Vienna public transport network: Karlsplatz, Praterstern, Stephansplatz, Schwedenplatz, Volkstheater, Westbahnhof.

The Wiener Linien radio cars are also equipped with defibrillators. They are on the move throughout the network and are often the first on the scene in emergencies.

Meet our prevention team!

Our prevention team attends events throughout Vienna and provides information on safety on public transport. Do you have any questions or concerns about the training courses and lectures? Write to us!

praevention@wienerlinien.atÖffnet in einem neuen Tab

Wiener Linien Customer Service

  • Do you have questions about your ticket? Have you been found without a valid ticket and have to pay an additional fee? Do you have questions or problems when buying tickets online? Whatever concern you have: We are happy to take care of it!

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