How the Wiener Linien Team Is Training for the Tramdriver World Championship
Elias Natmessnig / Wiener Linien Newsroom 21.08.2025
On September 13, the time has come: 25 teams from around the world will compete in the Tramdriver World Championship. And of course, Vienna is in the running with a strong duo. We had the exclusive opportunity to join Elisabeth Urbanitsch and Florijan Isaku during their training session at the Wiener Linien main workshop in Simmering – and take a very special look behind the scenes.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
In their everyday jobs, Elisabeth and Florijan usually work alone – each driving their tram independently through Vienna. But at the championship, one thing matters most: teamwork. And that's exactly what they’re focusing on right now.
Five out of the eight championship disciplines are currently on their training schedule. Sounds technical? It is – but more than anything, it’s about trust. Take reverse driving, for example: Florijan has to rely completely on Elisabeth’s signals.
“I don’t have any visual contact. I have to rely on her 100%,” he explains.
Elisabeth adds: “I give him precise feedback on how far he can still go – and we switch roles as well. By now, we’re so in sync that we can almost read each other’s minds. That’s what makes us such a strong team.”
Coach Thomas Linsmeier, is full of praise: “They approach every challenge with great focus and constantly motivate each other. That’s the kind of team spirit we need for the Tramdriver World Championship.”
From the Driver’s Cab to the World Championship Stage
Elisabeth joined Wiener Linien in 2019 as a career-changer and quickly established herself as a true team player. Florijan, on the other hand, has been on the job for over ten years, safely transporting hundreds of passengers every day. Now, they’re determined to show what they’re capable of – together.
Coach Thomas Linsmeier, is full of praise: “They approach every challenge with great focus and constantly motivate each other. That’s the kind of team spirit we need for the Tramdriver World Championship.”
Eight Disciplines, One Goal: World-Class Performance
Only those disciplines are being trained that every team can practice at home. In addition to reverse driving, the program includes maintaining lateral distance, target braking, keeping a constant speed, and stopping precisely at door 2. Show elements like TRAM bowling or the brand-new TRAM curling will be introduced during the main event – excitement guaranteed!
Every day, tram drivers rely on millimetre-perfect judgment to safely manoeuvre around obstacles like parked cars. It's this exceptional precision that defines the challenge in this discipline
Precision is key: the tram must halt with the center of its second door exactly aligned with a ground marker. Each centimeter off the mark—forward or backward—costs valuable points.
Vienna Gears Up for Its Home Game
On September 13, Vienna’s Rathausplatz will transform into an international stage: Wiener Linien is hosting the first-ever TRAM World Championship as part of a large public transport festival. More than 25 teams from every continent, more than 50,000 visitors on-site, and a live stream will make this a true highlight. Admission is free.
