Tram drivers: Connecting us to our cities

In cities all over the world, tram drivers do more than guide vehicles along steel rails, they help keep urban life moving and connect us to our workplaces, school, friends, and family.

From early-morning commutes to late-night journeys home, they are the steady hands behind a service that is both longstanding and vital to our cities. It’s a role that demands skill, concentration, and a genuine connection to the city.

Ahead of the Tramdriver World Championship in Vienna, we spoke to two tram drivers from Wiener Linien, Vienna’s public transport provider: Florian Isaku and Elisabeth Urbanitsch who touch upon why they decided to become a tram driver, how it connects them to their city of Vienna, and what to look forward to at the Championship!

For them, the position is not just a job but a way to develop a deep connection to the place they serve. Read on for more from our featured tram drivers and the event in Vienna.

What makes one decide to become a tram driver? For Florian, the choice was all about energy and purpose. “I’m a very active and positive person,” he explains, “and I wanted a job where I’m out and about a lot while also doing something good for the city.” The driver’s seat in Vienna’s trams was the perfect vantage point from which to channel that drive.

For Elisabeth, she spotted the job ad online, applied immediately and soon began her training. But the decision was more than a regular career move, it was also the continuation of a family legacy. “Maybe, deep down, a childhood dream came true… My great-grandfather Johann Huber was also a tram driver in the 1920s, later a supervisor, so the passion for rails runs in the family.”

Once they are in the driver’s seat, what’s the best part of the job? For Florian, it’s the constant motion and variety. “Every day is different and you’re constantly on the move, it makes the job varied and exciting.” Elisabeth shares that sense of variety but adds another aspect: “I’m so proud to be able to drive across the city on 20 different lines, it’s a variety I truly love.”

The city itself is part of the appeal. Florian enjoys “being out and about in Vienna” and the chance to experience “so many different sides of the city” while contributing to such an important service. For Elisabeth, every shift offers new discoveries. “Vienna has an incredibly good public transport network… Every day, I discover something new on my route – buildings, sculptures, signs, beautiful historic architecture. I’m always amazed by how beautiful our city is!”

Driving a tram offers more than just scenic views – it also changes how you understand a city. “You really learn how diverse and vibrant the city is,” says Florian. “You gain a good sense of people’s everyday lives, things you might otherwise overlook.”

For Elisabeth, the job creates a mental map that few residents could match. “You get to know every corner of the city. I can mentally connect the entire network in my head.”

This year, Vienna will host the Global Tramdriver Championship, a celebration of the skills and unique role of tram drivers in our cities. For Florian, the event is a chance to connect with peers from around the globe. “It’s a great experience to meet new people, exchange ideas, and show how much passion each person puts into their job. It’s a big honor to be part of it.”

Elisabeth sees the event as something truly special for the city. “It’s going to be a spectacle like Vienna has never seen before, with the city hall as a backdrop, right on the Ring. I’m very grateful to be part of it.”

Both drivers are eager for the atmosphere and camaraderie the Championship promises. “I’m looking forward to the atmosphere around the event and the great vibe,” says Florian, adding with a smile, “And of course, to the challenge, and maybe even the victory!”

For Elisabeth, the highlight will be meeting fellow drivers from around the world. “We’re all one big team and belong together, the tracks and rails connect us across all countries and continents.”

Florian and Elisabeth will be one of 25 teams from cities across the globe competing at the Championship in Vienna on 13 September. Admission is free and there will be a wide range of activities to celebrate tram drivers and their role in connecting out cities. Learn more here.