Traktionssysteme Austria celebrates production of 5000th motor for Wiener Linien.

Sustainable motor technology pushes public transport expansion in Austria’s capital

Traktionssysteme Austria (TSA) has reached a significant milestone by producing its 5000th motor for Wiener Linien. The electric motors, manufactured at TSA’s facility in Wiener Neudorf, will power the X-Wagen trains on the U2 and U3 lines in Vienna, gradually replacing the old Silberpfeil trains. By 2026, the new Siemens Mobility metros will introduce fully automated subway operations on the U5 line.

TSA has been supplying motors for Wiener Linien rail vehicles since 2001. ‘The production of the 5000th motor for Wiener Linien highlights our long-standing and successful partnership in supporting Vienna’s public transportation network. Together, we have shaped and advanced public transport in the city with state-of-the-art technology. We look forward to continuing our significant contribution to the mobility of Vienna in the upcoming years,’ says Robert Tencl, CEO of Traktionssysteme Austria.

Since 2001, TSA has received 5,085 motor orders for Wiener Linien, powering various subway and tram models, including the iconic Silberpfeil, V-Wagen, X-Wagen, and trams such as ULF and Flexity.

‘TSA provides us with the heart of our rail vehicles. You could say they bring our trains to life. Without motors, there’s no movement,’ says Gudrun Senk, Managing Director of Technical Operations at Wiener Linien.

An Austrian Global Champion in Innovation and Sustainability
‘TSA represents not only Austrian engineering excellence but also global leadership in the field of electromechanical drives,’ Tencl emphasizes. As a hidden champion in the industry, TSA constantly pushes the boundaries of electric mobility, proving that an Austrian company can lead on the world stage. The TSA Group is proud to maintain a strong workforce of around 450 highly skilled employees in Austria, while also operating international production sites and offices across the globe, including in the USA, China, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and India.

Sustainability is a key focus for the Lower Austrian company. TSA’s asynchronous motors, which are used in both rail and road commercial vehicles, are free from rare earth materials and, depending on their application and maintenance, can last over 30 years. Additionally, approximately 90% of the raw materials used in production are recyclable.

Flexity Trams: A Key Project
In addition to the motors for the new X-Wagen trains, TSA is particularly proud of its role in supplying electric drives for the Flexity trams. Since 2017, the company has delivered a total of 952 electric motors for the Flexity fleet, which plays a critical role in the public transport systems of both Vienna and Graz.

Expansion of Tram Networks in Vienna and Graz
Beyond Vienna, Graz is also investing in Flexity trams. TSA is supplying 120 traction motors for 15 new Flexity units for the Graz public transport operator, with an option to provide motors for an additional 40 trams and 320 motors. Both Vienna and Graz continue to expand their tram networks to enhance public transportation and improve urban mobility.