A key factor in Vienna becoming the “greenest city” in 2020 was the paradigm shift in the transport system 50 years earlier

Abstract

Until the 1970s, the future of Vienna was planned as usual at that time with highways, large garages, subways to replace the annoying streetcars and without bicycle traffic. However, with the demolition of the Florianikirche in 1965, a landmark of the 5th district, in order to make more room for the car, an awareness arose among the population, of the threat to the city by this means of transport. This had consequences. When the motorway plans were stopped in 1972, a new traffic concept had to be worked out. The practical application of the principles elaborated there leads to a sustainable transport policy and to the reversal of trends in the choice of means of transport. Between 1993 and 2015, the share of car trips was reduced from 40% to 27% and the share of trips made by public transport was increased from 29% to 39%. This was prompted by citizen resistance to a city of freeways and by politicians who were willing to learn. Instead of plans for highways, the city is making plans to reclaim public space for nature. However, recent developments show that successes can lead to a relapse into old mistakes.