Tram pushes large ball and knocks over skittles

Witness world-class tram driving skills up close

On September 13, 2025, Vienna’s iconic Rathausplatz will transform into a spectacular arena as the world’s best tram drivers compete for glory. Join the excitement, cheer for your favorite team, and experience the thrill of precision driving in a one-of-a-kind setting. From target braking to TRAM bowling, who will master the challenges and claim the top spot? Expect impressive maneuvers, tight teamwork, and a fantastic atmosphere – all with free admission!

Eight Challenges, One Goal: Score Big and Take the Title

Each driver from the 25 international teams takes on all eight disciplines back-to-back in a single round. The challenge starts with Stop & Go and finishes with TRAM Curling (see below).

The first round runs from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm, the second from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

The goal: score as many points as possible to secure the win. The total time per round also counts — the faster all disciplines are completed, the more bonus points are awarded.

All teams compete with the host city’s trams — in Vienna that means a Flexity and a ULF (Ultra Low Floor) from Wiener Linien.

 

Schedule

10:00 am Kick-Off & Team Presentation on Stage
11:00 am - 1:30 pm Tram Driver World Championship, 1st round
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Lunch Break
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Tram Driver World Championship, 2nd round
5:00 pm Award Ceremony on the Main Stage

 

Discipline 1: Stop & Go

Smooth acceleration and braking are not only appreciated by passengers – they’re also key here. A water-filled container is mounted on the front of the tram, and drivers must accelerate and brake gently at three designated stops. Every drop spilled means a deduction in points.

Discipline 2: Speed Control

With the speedometer covered, drivers must maintain a steady 25 km/h over a 20-meter stretch. This challenge tests their internal sense of speed—something they rely on every day in real-world operations.

Discipline 3: Target Braking

How close can you get without overshooting? In this discipline, the tram must come to a stop exactly on a marked line. The closer the stop, the higher the score—perfect timing and judgment are essential.

Discipline 4: TRAM-Bowling

A crowd favorite! The tram pushes a giant ball toward oversized pins (inflatable columns), aiming to knock down as many as possible. It’s a thrilling mix of accuracy, technique, and a bit of luck.

Discipline 5: Reverse Driving

Teamwork takes the spotlight. One driver is in the cabin, while the teammate stands at the rear or side, guiding with whistle signals. Together, they must reverse the tram and stop it precisely on a marked spot—without any visual contact.

Discipline 6: Lateral Distance

This challenge mirrors real-life tight squeezes. One team member places an obstacle beside the track, guided only by hand signals from the driver. The tram is then driven as close as possible to the obstacle without touching it. The smaller the gap, the higher the score.

Discipline 7: Perfect Stop

Precision down to the centimeter: the tram must stop so that the center of its second door aligns perfectly with a ground marking. Every centimeter off target results in lost points.

Discipline 8: TRAM-Curling

Inspired by the winter sport, this discipline features a bicycle trolley pushed by the tram. Once released, the tram stops and the trolley continues rolling—ideally landing in a marked target zone. It’s all about control and perfect timing, not power.

Livestream: Cheer Along Online

Can't make it to Rathausplatz but still want to join the excitement? Grab a snack and follow all the action live online via our livestream.