Urban planners in cities like Vienna look to maximize their investments in building a sustainable low-carbon future, and public transportation is a key component of those goals.

Austrian authorities say that by 2030, more than 2 million people will be living and working in Vienna, and they're already making progress on environmentally friendly mobility. There are more annual public transportation passes in circulation in Vienna than registered cars as people gravitate toward the train system, and Wiener Linien is in the midst of an expansion project to expand and update the network.

"We want to transport people into the city center, but also make sure they reach their final destination," the transport system says of its new lines and expensive underground upgrades. "We also want to ensure that there is enough space available, even at peak times, and that Vienna can continue to grow."

The introduction of state-of-the-art train cars is a big part of the plan. Wiener Linien contracted with Siemens to deliver a €550 million package of X-Wagen cars, with the first 34 to go in service by mid-2020 and an option for 11 more. The design unveiled during March 2018 shows impressive green thinking.

These third-generation cars are made with lightweight, durable aluminium, and more than 90 percent of the materials can be recycled. The 111-meter cars can accommodate more passengers – up to 928 people from 882 – because there are fewer seats, giving them a cleaner, wide and spacious feel. Each car includes seating for 200, with a special emphasis on accessibility and some multipurpose areas for parents traveling with strollers, travelers carrying luggage or people who need more wheelchair space. There are additional wheelchair spaces at the train-car center, with folding ramps fitted to all the doors.

The new X-Wagen cars are fully automated but can still be used with a driver; when the driver's cab isn't necessary, the train can be configured for more seating. Other features include the regenerative brake systems designed to boost energy efficiency, LED lighting, and efficient cooling and heating systems.

Siemens says that in a world first for the company, all of Vienna's new cars will have an onboard information system working in real time. The FGI Plus system will have screens above all doors to show passengers the nearest entrance and departure times of connections before arriving at their stations.

Siemens Managing Director Günter Steinbauer said the trains are specially developed for Vienna's underground system, and production of the cars will begin next year at the Siemens facility in Austria, thereby also creating up to 1,700 jobs as well. They are expected to go into service on the existing U1 through U4 lines, ahead of the completion of the fully automatic U5 line expected by 2024.

The Vienna facility is the Siemens worldwide headquarters for "people moving" products, including metro rail cars, trams and automated VAL cars. CEO Wolfgang Hesoun said the new X-Wagen order, replacing the previous Silver Arrow and V-car, is a special opportunity to help build a sustainable transportation future, this time at home where the project contributes to Vienna's quality of life and the local economy.