Industry Sector / Mobility Division
New study underlines Vienna's status as a model city for modern mobility - Siemens commissions study of transportation systems
Joint press release from Siemens and the city of Vienna
Vienna, Austria, 2009-Jun-10
Transportation is by far the most important aspect of urban infrastructure as mobility has a direct impact on competitiveness, the quality of life and a city's environmental character. This is one of the key messages of a study conducted by research institute MRC McLean HazeI, which was commissioned by Siemens to analyze Vienna's urban transport concept. The Austrian capital, presently the host of the 58th World Congress of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP = Union Internationale des Transports Publics), is regarded as one of the most attractive cities in the world. The transport experts have now completed a detailed examination of the role played by the transport infrastructure in the metropolis. The core message is that Vienna is not only attractive but can even be considered a model of modern mobility. Following studies relating to sustainable infrastructure solutions in London and Munich, Siemens now presents a third analysis of a large successful city.
Vienna is one of the most attractive cities in the world and is regularly ranked among the top international locations in all the usual studies and comparisons of cities. The latest example is the "Mercer Study" from April 2009, in which Vienna is attested the highest quality of living among 215 major cities. At the heart of all these studies is the issue of transport infrastructure. It is precisely in this category that Vienna does especially well, as its transportation systems are regarded by experts as particularly effective and efficient. Siemens was keen to find out the exact reasons and commissioned the English research institute MRC McLean Hazel Ltd. to carry out a detailed analysis of the development and present status of the transport situation in Vienna. The now completed study underlines the high quality of Vienna's transport infrastructure, even compared to other major European cities such as Amsterdam, Berlin, Munich, Prague and Zurich.
Vienna is intent on expanding public transport and is benefiting from a long-term strategy in the form of an all-inclusive concept for all modes of transport as well as from a stable cross-party consensus in matters of transportation. The main requirements for expanding the infrastructure and for enhancing the attractiveness of public transport by the year 2020 were defined in Vienna's "Transport Master Plan 2003" which also takes into account a rapid growth in road traffic and public transport. But, as the current study confirms, Vienna has positioned itself intelligently for the future in this respect as well. This is the conclusion reached in the current analysis, which was carried out under the overall responsibility of Prof. George Hazel with the expert support of Vienna's planning department and transportation experts.
Complete mobility: Study uses Siemens, Vienna and other large metropolises
The Mobility Division of Siemens AG is one of the world's largest suppliers of transportation and logistics solutions. Siemens Mobility has developed a concept that is unique in the world and is aimed at the efficient and safe movement of people and goods - "Complete mobility". It is based on networking different transportation systems with each other as effectively as possible, irrespective of whether they are old or new or whether they operate in or between cities. "This study now gives Vienna the chance to gain some important ideas for the future", said Dr. Hans-Joerg Grundmann, CEO of Siemens Mobility, at the 58th World UITP Congress, which is currently being held in the Austrian capital.
"As a supplier of comprehensive transportation and logistics solutions, Siemens will also benefit from the results. The challenges facing Vienna apply to all large cities. The study can therefore be very useful for our other customers as well. Cities all over the world can learn from Vienna and we will support them in their endeavors."
For example, Siemens has already put its "Complete mobility" concept into action in London and has implemented many of its products and solutions in Vienna as well, including 300 ultra-low-floor trams, 40 metro trains with the associated instrumentation and control technology as well as a road traffic management system for controlling the flow of private cars in the city. With around 2.5 million inhabitants, the greater Vienna area has 227 kilometers of tramway tracks, making it one of the largest tramway networks in the world. The mass transit network of the Vienna lines includes more than 960 kilometers of lines and encompasses 116 metro, tram and bus lines with 4,559 stops, none of which are more than 15 minutes walk away from anywhere in the city.
Quote from city councilor: "Vienna has done a great many things right"
"The study has confirmed the results of our own analyses, namely that public transport in Vienna enjoys a very high level of acceptance among the population as a whole. Its continuously rising share in the total amount of traffic is currently 35 per cent, which is very high compared to other cities around the world. We have a high-quality range of services, a dense network, high frequencies, modern rolling stock such as the ultra-low-floor vehicles from Siemens as well as an optimized infrastructure" said Rudolf Schicker, Vienna city councilor responsible for urban development and transport. "The study shows that we have done a great many things right. In its provisions for the future, Vienna has always insisted on public ownership and has refused to privatize local transport authorities. This means that the citizens of Vienna can rely on public companies in times of crisis such as now."
Investment in infrastructure always pays off, according to Schicker, and has a positive impact on the economy, especially in times of economic downturn. In this context, he pointed out that the construction of the metro system in Vienna alone would secure around 26,000 jobs in the capital and in Austria between 2009 and 2013.
All information can be found under the online press kit: www.siemens.com/mobility/uitp2009
The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the worldwide leading supplier of production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. With integrated automation technologies as well as comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector consists of six Divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility and Osram. With around 222,000 employees worldwide Siemens Industry posted a profit of EUR3.86 billion with revenues totalling EUR38 billion in fiscal year 2008 (ended September 30). www.siemens.com/industry
The Mobility Division (Erlangen, Germany) is the internationally leading provider of transportation and logistics solutions. With its "Complete mobility" approach, the Division is focused on networking the various modes of transportation in order to ensure the efficient transport of people and goods. “Complete mobility” combines the company's competence in operations control systems for railways and traffic control systems for roadways together with solutions for airport logistics, postal automation, traction power supplies and rolling stock for mass transit, regional and mainline services, turnkey systems as well as forward-looking service concepts. www.siemens.com/mobility
Reference Number: IMO200906031
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Mr. Peter Gottal
Mobility Division
Siemens AG
Werner-von-Siemens-Str. 67
91052 Erlangen
Germany
Tel: +49 (9131) 7-20238