Image: Volker Weihbold
According to a VCÖ analysis based on data from Statistics Austria, the Viennese have the edge when it comes to using public transport. An Austria-wide survey shows that seven out of ten Viennese use the tram, bus or subway several times a week or even daily, as the VCÖ announced on Monday.
The figures do not include young people and children under the age of 16. Only seven percent of the Viennese population aged 16 and over never use public transport, while 41 percent never drive a car. The current mobility survey for Vienna also showed that in the previous year 44 percent of all Viennese used their everyday trips on foot or by bike. On the other hand, only 26 percent of the people in the federal capital regularly use their cars. “The Viennese are thus making an important contribution to climate protection,” said the VCÖ.
Only three out of ten people use public transport frequently
In Vienna, the choice of means of transport is greater than in any other city in the country. This is also important “in order to be able to achieve the climate goals,” said VCÖ spokesman Christian Gratzer. In Austria, only three out of ten people frequently use public transport.
According to the VCÖ analysis, demographic change, increasing heat and the shift towards more renewable energy from the sun, wind and water are changing the framework conditions. According to the population forecast by Statistics Austria, in 2040 almost 228,000 Viennese will belong to the 75+ generation, which is 64,000 more than today. Therefore, increased measures for a senior-friendly transport system – such as accessibility and slower speeds in the local area – are important.
The number of hot days with more than 30 degrees has already increased significantly in Vienna. The heat will also continue to rise. “This means that more shady trees and greenery are needed along the streets in the districts, our mobility must become more space-saving,” says the VCÖ. Car sharing offers would also help. The potential for this is particularly great in Vienna. According to the VCÖ, the 93,000 second cars in Viennese households drive an average of just 6,000 kilometers per year.
In order to take account of the positive developments, the VCÖ, in cooperation with the City of Vienna, launched the Vienna Mobility Award under the motto “Shape the future now”. Businesses and companies, start-ups, housing developers, the districts, schools and universities, initiatives and individuals are invited to submit projects that already show how future mobility can be better and more climate-friendly. ÖBB supports the prize.
Source: Nachrichten
