Vienna’s Subway Gets €6.2M Upgrade for Better Accessibility in 2026

Old lifts get a high-tech reboot, and a new app helps wheelchair users. How Vienna’s subway is becoming more inclusive than ever.

, and Administrator

2026 January 13 . 1:22 PM

1 min read

The image shows an old map of the city of Vienna, Austria, with a person standing in the center.... — The image shows an old map of the city of Vienna, Austria, with a person standing in the center. The map is detailed and shows the various streets, buildings, and other landmarks of the area. The text on the paper provides additional information about the map, such as the names of the cities and the boundaries of the streets.

Vienna’s Subway Gets €6.2M Upgrade for Better Accessibility in 2026

Vienna’s subway network is set for a major upgrade in 2026. Wiener Linien will invest around €6.2 million to modernise 15 elevators and 13 escalators across key stations. The project aims to improve accessibility, safety, and efficiency for all passengers.

The modernisation will focus on elevators that have been in service for over two decades. Fifteen lifts, primarily on the U6 line, will receive upgrades to meet the latest technical standards. Each renovation is expected to take about eight weeks, with nearby stations ensuring barrier-free access during the works.

New escalators will also be installed at major stations, including Karlsplatz, Stephansplatz, Handelskai, and Floridsdorf. These will feature better lighting and improved energy efficiency. Additionally, Tscherttegasse station will gain an extra elevator to enhance accessibility for passengers with mobility needs.

Wiener Linien is also introducing the Liftboy app, which will allow users to extend elevator door opening times. This feature will particularly benefit wheelchair users, parents with strollers, and those using walkers. The programme combines cutting-edge technology with practical improvements to make the subway network more inclusive.

The upgrades will cover lines U1, U3, U4, and U6, ensuring smoother and safer travel for thousands of daily commuters. With new escalators, modernised lifts, and app-based accessibility features, the changes will take effect throughout 2026. Wiener Linien has confirmed that all work will be completed with minimal disruption to passengers.