Ride the Tram Changes: Graz's Transit Transformation from May to September 2025
Railway operations in Graz commence in May, spanning over a month.
Brace yourself, Grazians! Starting May, get ready for a rollercoaster ride of altered routes, replacement bus service, and renovations on your beloved trams. The city's tram network is about to undergo a major facelift, with the new Neutor line connecting to the existing network, relieving the congested Herrengasse.
"This is the most extensive and challenging reconstruction project in 150 years of Graz tram history," warned Mark Perz, CEO of Holding Graz. The usual construction during the summer holidays won't cut it this time, and the work will take months instead of weeks. But fear not; the end goal, ready in time for the Koralmbahn launch and the bustling Christmas markets, makes it all worthwhile.
The alarm bells are ringing from May 24 to September 7 as the tracks from Vorbeckgasse to Annenstraße get connected. You'll see extensive construction, including complex track connections and infrastructure, which will necessitate replacement bus service for lines 1, 4, 6, and 7 between Jakominiplatz and Alte Poststraße.
Before the big show, there's some pre-game action. From May 3 to 23, the western tracks to Remise 3 will receive renovations, affecting tramlines 4 and 7 with replacement bus service between Laudongasse and Reininghaus or Wetzelsdorf. Following that, from May 24 to July 4, we'll complete the connection to Vorbeckgasse/Annenstraße, install new switches to Remise 3, and renovate the underpass to the main station.
From July 5 to September 7, we'll continue connecting the tracks in the Vorbeckgasse/Annenstraße area, renew the track junction at Eggenberger Straße/Asperngasse, and expand the stops at Jakominiplatz.
To navigate this transit maze, Holding Graz has rented ten buses, setting us back over one million euros. With more than 160 buses in operation, we're all set to tackle the extra load. The total costs for the Neutor line are expected to amount to around 38 million euros, with the federal government, the state, and the city sharing the expenses fairly.
"An important milestone for public transport on rails in Graz" describes Perz what lies ahead after the construction work concludes. Expect a supporting cast of new Flexity trams from Alstom to join the Graz fleet in early 2026, once deliveries and approvals are in place.
For detailed and specific information about the Graz tram renovation, including affected lines, replacement bus services, and costs, keep an eye on official local sources closer to or during the renovation period. In the meantime, grab your comfy shoes and enjoy the ride!
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"In the realm of public transit, the finance department of Graz is preparing for significant expenses, with the Neutor line's reconstruction estimated to cost around 38 million euros. The industry of transportation in Graz will experience a transformation with the addition of new Flexity trams from Alstom, expected to join the fleet in early 2026."
"In the finance sector, the city of Graz is investing in the future of transportation, extending the tram network with the Neutor line and acquiring new trams from Alstom, all part of their vision for a more sustainable public-transit system by 2040."
