Florijan Isaku and Elisabeth Urbanitsch are living their dream: as tram drivers with Wiener Linien, they guide their vehicles and hundreds of passengers safely through Vienna every day. But that’s just the beginning. On September 13, they’ll be representing Vienna at the first-ever Tramdriver World Championship—competing for the title of world’s best tram driver. But how does someone become a world-class tram driver? Florijan takes us back to where it all started—the Wiener Linien tram school—and shares what makes his job a dream career, what it’s like to train in a tram simulator, and why he and his colleague Lisi are determined to take home the title.
Training Ground: Three Months in Tram School
For Florijan, it all started much earlier: ‘Even as a child, I was fascinated by trams.’ Ten years ago, the time had come: Florijan's career as a tram driver began where all tram drivers start: at the Wiener Linien tram school.
You don’t need prior experience to become a tram driver—just motivation, a willingness to learn, and a sense of responsibility. The path to the driver’s seat involves an intensive three-month training program. Trainees learn everything from vehicle technology and route knowledge to first aid, customer communication, and de-escalation techniques. Theory and practice are tightly integrated.
Practice makes perfect: first driving attempts in the tram simulator
Before hitting the real tracks, trainees practise diligently in the tram simulator.
Various scenarios are played out in the tram simulator – such as technical malfunctions, error messages or an emergency brake being pulled. This teaches the trainee drivers to remain calm and react correctly even in stressful situations. While one person sits in the driver's seat, the others watch closely from the observation room, analysing and learning at the same time.
‘The tram simulator allows you to practise many malfunctions and incidents so that you can react correctly in real life. It doesn't feel exactly like a real tram, but it comes very close,’ explains trainer Daniela.
Whether it’s a 4:00 a.m. early shift or a late-night run before service ends—no two days are ever the same. That’s part of what makes the job so rewarding.
Driving a tram means more than mastering complex technology. It’s about interacting with people—professionally, attentively, and always with a bit of the famous Wiener Schmäh.
Florijan says with pride, “Today, I take hundreds of people from A to B every day, helping to make Vienna such a great place to live. The job gives me the feeling that I am doing something important for us and for the city. And it never gets boring" (laughs).
The job also offers clear advantages: a secure position, fair pay, and a workplace in the heart of the city.
From Driver’s Cab to Global Stage: The TRAM Drivers World Championship
On September 13, Vienna will take center stage as it hosts the world’s first Tramdriver World Championship. Drivers from 25 countries will compete in a series of skill-based challenges, reaction tests, and precision driving tasks—showcasing just how much expertise the job requires.
Among the competitors: Elisabeth and Florijan. From day one in the simulator to the world championship stage, they embody what’s possible with dedication, growth, and true passion for the job.
“We’re going to win the Tramdriver World Championship because we are simply the best. And because we are competing on behalf of all Wiener Linien drivers,” says Florijan confidently.
