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Disruptions on Vienna's U6 and 13A Lines: Identified as Troublesome Routes

Most Frequent Disruptions Reported on Subway Line: Tram 2 Emerges as Least Dependable Streetcar

Buses struggle with the most delays, while the two-tier tram emerges as the most problematic...
Buses struggle with the most delays, while the two-tier tram emerges as the most problematic streetcar.

Disruptions on Vienna's U6 and 13A Lines: Identified as Troublesome Routes

The Professionally Dubbed "Problem Line" U6 in Vienna Under Scrutiny

A comprehensive study conducted by Martin Piskernig, a mathematics professor at the University of Vienna and editor of the Tramway Forum, has concluded that the U6 metro line has been the most disrupted line in Vienna's transport network over the past year. With a staggering 674 recorded disruptions between May 2024 and April 2025, the U6 line has earned its infamous title [1].

According to Piskernig's evaluation of Vienna Lines' freely available disruption data, the U6 line witnessed disruptions almost twice a day during the specified period. This high number of disruptions has not gone unnoticed by passengers, who have noted the erratic operational patterns and the subjective sense of insecurity associated with the line [2].

Other lines in the city's network recorded a significantly lower number of disruptions. For instance, the 2er tram line had 373 disruptions, and the heavily utilized 13A bus route had 257 disruptions, a number that sets it ahead of its closest competitor, the 7A bus route [2].

External factors, such as deployments of rescue and police crews, and wrongly parked vehicles, contribute to the operational problems experienced by the city's transportation system [3]. However, faulty vehicles, delays, and "other reasons" are also recurring issues, as suggested by the statistics [3].

The Vienna Lines declined to comment on the home-made disruptions, labeling the data evaluations non-representative. They attribute the operational issues for the 13A bus route, in part, to individual traffic and construction sites [3]. However, future improvements are expected in 2030 when the new U2 line is completed, potentially reducing pressure on the 13A route [3].

[1] Data provided by the Vienna Lines' freely available disruption data (2024-2025).[2] campus a, online medium, results of Piskernig's evaluation for potential triggers of operational problems on trams, buses, and the U-Bahn.[3] Vienna Lines' response to home-made disruptions and their reasoning for the operational issues faced by the 13A bus route.

The finance industry might scrutinize the public-transit sector, given the frequent disruptions on the U6 line in Vienna's transportation network, which has been the most disrupted line over the past year. For instance, the U6 line witnessed disruptions almost twice a day during May 2024 to April 2025, outperforming other lines such as the 2er tram line and the heavily utilized 13A bus route.

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