Right of Way for People ...... 3 Graz – City of Diversity...... 4 Decision: City for Cars or More Space for People ...... 6 Gentle Mobility- an Idea for the Future ...... 8 Space for People ...... 12 A Green Net for Graz ...... 14 Graz Rides Bicycle ...... 15

Contents Right of Way for Public Transportation ...... 17 Highlights in the Net of Tramway Lines ...... 20 Speed 30/50 in Graz ...... 21 Parking in Graz ...... 22 Graz sets Trends ...... 24 Data according to Graz and to Transportation ...... 28

Thanks to DI Gerhard Ablasser and DI Heike Falk (The Executive Office for Urban Planning, Develop- ment and Construction/Unit for European Programmes and International Cooperation) and DI Thomas Fischer (The Executive Office for Urban Planning, Development and Construction).

CONTACT: City of Graz The Executive Office for Urban Planning, Development and Construction Unit for European Programmes and International Cooperation Building Authority, 5. Floor A-8020 Graz, Europaplatz 20 Tel. +43 (0) 316/872-4201 Tel. +43 (0) 316/872-3581 Fax +43 (0) 316/872-3589 Departement Traffic Planing Building Authority, 7. Floor A-8020 Graz, Europaplatz 20 Tel. +43 (0) 316/872-2881 Departement Street Maintainance Building Authority, 4. and 5. Floor A-8020 Graz, Europaplatz 20 Tel. +43 (0) 316/872-3601

A tramway slides along the pedestrian area in Herrengasse.

- 2 - Gentle Mobility

Gentle mobility also means…

Jakominiplatz is a hub of public transport …a lot of recreational space for people Right of Way for People A high quality of life is essen- increase in the growth of the volume He never lost sight of his vision to give tial for living in the city. If the of traffic led to massive environmental space in the city back to the people. quality of life deteriorates, the and traffic problems. He placed the emphasis on strengthe- This is why the city of Graz said good- ning the weakest players in the system: image of the city as a good bye to a motor vehicle oriented road Children, elderly people, handicapped place of residence will suffer. planning and early on followed new people, parents with small children As a consequence of the poor paths. In its new approach the city fo- and most of all pedestrians and bicy- quality of life, the residents cuses on future – oriented traffic mea- cle riders through their way of mobility will relocate elsewhere which sures such as promoting bicycle traffic, contribute more than anybody towards the development of the public trans- an intact environment and a good qua- in turn will have fatal effects portation network, extensive restricted for the economic situation of lity of life. speed zones (speed limit 30km/h), a The aim of the concept of „Gentle Mo- the city. modern parking facility management, bility“ is to utilize the various means and modern technologies for reduced of transportation as environmentally The city of Graz puts much importance exhaust emissions. and city – compatible as possible. The to quality in all areas of life. Not only is The decrease in the number of acci- following aspects are central to this the quality of life defined by an intact dents in restricted speed zones alone concept: More security for all traffic environment, ideal living conditions proves the effectiveness of the re- participants, a more environmentally and attractive economic surroundings, think. All those traffic measures are a good conditions for the individual mo- consequence of the implementation of friendly and efficient handling of traf- bility behavior are as well a defining the traffic guidelines 2000 – the „Gentle fic in which unnecessary car rides are aspect of the quality of life. In the con- Mobility Scenario“ – as the traffic phi- avoided, as well as public space made cept of gentle mobility people have the losophy of Graz which has accessed as attractive as possible – the very right of way – but this has not always several EU- Programs and has been space for the people we have been been the case. In the 1950s and 1960s acknowledged internationally. discussing. traffic planning was almost exclusively The pioneer in the implementation of These specifics led to a conflict of aligned to motorized individual trans- the concept of „Gentle Mobility“ was interests. The limitations of the moto- port; this comes as no surprise given the City Councilor of Traffic and former rized individual traffic especially have the limited number of motor vehicles Vice Mayor of Graz, Mr. Erich Edeg- caused heated debates which are still on the roads then and neither was the ger. Even in the face of many adversi- ongoing today. This conflict of interests steep increase in motor vehicle regis- ties, the passionate bicycle rider never has both in the past and today caused trations foreseeable at the time. This gave up trying to convince people of delays and setbacks for this intelligent bias in combination with a dramatic the benefits of this innovative concept. philosophy.

- 3 - The Museum of Contemporary Art (Kunsthaus) which was opened in 2003 – the year in which Graz was Cultural Capital of Europe is a milestone of the cultural life in Graz.

European Cultural Capital, UNESCO World Cultural Inheritance, bicycle – stronghold, domain of many Nobel Prize winners, cultural stronghold, and melting pot of many cultures – Graz has many faces. The city portrays itself on some occasions as metropolis, on other occasions as contemplative oasis with Mediterranean flair. But always Graz enchants the tourists and its visitors cannot help but succumb to its charm.

or centuries – or more pre- Cistercian monastery in the world lo- versity of Applied Sciences. Today cisely for millenniums – the cated about 15 km from Graz. In 1260 the students contribute to the city’s FGraz basin has been a place Graz was awarded town ordinances youthful dynamic during the acade- where humans liked to settle. On a and privileges and among them its mic year. space of about 128 square kilome- own coat of arms – the panther of the With the growth towards the end of the ters on which today roughly 350.000 Earl of Steyr. Middle Ages, which can be noted still people bustle around on an average today in the uncountable buildings of day, the first „citizens of Graz“ settled this period in the city center, the city 3.000 to 2.000 before Christ: Stone- Boom town in the Middle Ages of Graz increased its popularity as a age people who still lived far from place of residence. At the same time village-structures. Those structures Between 1438 and 1493 Graz ex- the new wealth made it increasingly emerged about 800 years before perienced its first boom and period attractive for passing through armies Christ; in the areas of Pfauengarten of prosperity. Archduke Friedrich V., as a prey for plundering. With the and Karmeliterplatz at the foot of the the later emperor Kaiser Friedrich III., continuous and growing threat of the Schlossberg, archeologists disco- declared the Murstadt (city along the Turks, the Schlossberg was transfor- vered during the construction works river Mur) his favorite residence and med to a fortress in 1543. In 1642 the for the biggest underground parking designed and built the so-called „City city added the arsenal (Zeughaus) to lot in Graz the remains of the oldest Crown“ around the cathedral. Graz its fortifications. Of the then 188.000 settlements in Graz built during the experienced its second period of pro- weapons and suits of armor the armo- Hallstatt period. The name of the city sperity under the rule of Archduke ry held at the time, 32.000 are still on dates back to the year 955 when Graz Karl II., who had the old Jesuit Univer- display in the world’s largest historic – or rather „Gradec“ was first menti- sity built in Hofgasse and in this way armory today. oned as the Slavic word for „small laying the cornerstone for the center Napoleon finally did away with the fortress“. This small fortress stood – of study and education Graz is today. Schlossberg- fortification. In the where else could it have stood – on Because today approximately 40.000 peace treaty of Schönbrunn, it was the Schlossberg (473 m). In 1128 the young adults study and are trained by concluded that the fortress had to name „Gradec“ changed to „Gracz“ highly professional staff in one of the be destroyed in 1809; probably out recorded in a certificate in the library four main universities or in one of the of annoyance and rage because the of Stift Rein – the oldest still lived-in study courses of the Joanneum Uni- armies of the short Corsicans hadn’t

- 4 - Gentle Mobility been able to conquer the fortress. From the 19th century, the develop- ment of Graz took place stroke by stroke. In 1868 the city park (Stadt- park) was obtained its new and pre- sent look, in 1887 the first tramway- pulled by horses went into operation. In 1899 the Opera House was built, in 1912 the General Hospital was opened. In 1938 Graz consisted of 16 districts- the 17th district (Puntigam) followed in 1988.

Graz top modern In the year 2002 the main square of Graz was redesigned Towards the end of the 20th Century the international spotlight was increa- count 184.000 employees. The car singly placed on Graz, the Murmetro- manufacturing cluster around „Magna polis: In 1999 the city center- the old Steyr“ and the company „AVL“ have a town of Graz was declared UNESCO long tradition in Graz and a strong re- World Heritage Site – because of its putation on the international market; charm as a busy and lively place with as for example the company Siemens a historic architectural substance and Graduate Program (SGP) and Traffic its unique roof- landscape. Also, in Technologies, too. They are the big- 1999 the pilgrimage church in Ma- gest employers in Graz. riatrost was upgraded to a Basilica. The „Wood-Cluster“, the „human. In 2002 the city hall (Stadthalle) was technologie. styria“ or the „Material- opened with the World Buddhist Mee- Cluster“ ensure market – responsive, ting „Kalachakra“ in the presence of future – oriented innovations and the Dalai Lama- a clear sign of the on- secure Graz as a working place and going intercultural and interreligious business location. The companies dialogue in Graz. A pathway for which are supported by research institutions the city won the Europe Prize Award such as the Joanneum Research, the World Cultural Inheritance since 1999 as early as 1979 and which was con- Christian Doppler Research Associ- sequently followed with establishing ation and the Austrian Academy of Graz is growing the City Office for Integration in 2005. Sciences. The competence centers Since the end of the 19th Century, the In 2003 Graz became the Cultural in Graz which work in various fields population of Graz has steadily been Capital of Europe. The Island in the from biocatalysis to the virtual motor increasing. (Source: Central register River Mur (Murinsel) and the Muse- vehicle and are the source of compre- of residents) um of Contemporary Art (Kunsthaus) hensive knowledge and wisdom. 1850: about 50.000 inhabitants are two top modern additions to the 1900: 168.808 inhabitants townscape which have caused a furor 1951: 226.476 inhabitants on a global scale ever since. Graz at the Center of 1971: 248.500 inhabitants South-East Europe 1991: 237.528 inhabitants 2010: 257.898 inhabitants City of Economy and Culture Graz owes its status as a business and research location to its central The awarded title Cultural Capital geographic location in Southeast Eu- speaks of the rich cultural life in Graz. rope. Within a range of 300 km the Besides the established and renow- cities Vienna, Linz and Salzburg, but ned art institutions and festivals such also Budapest, Zagreb, Ljubljana or as „Styriarte“, „Steirischer Herbst“, Trieste can be reached. In order to „Forum Stadtpark“ or „Camera Graz.“ improve the city’s accessibility, the New festivals such as „La Strada“ or Graz airport has been developed to a the „Jazz-Sommer“ have long been terminal small by comparison to other established and are today highly po- airports but excellent in service. In ad- pular with their fans who are willing dition the Koralm – Railroad and the to travel to take part in and enjoy the Semmering – tunnel are being built festivals. to take passenger and freight trans- Approximately, a third of all Styrian in- portation from and to Graz to new habitants work in Graz – the statistics heights in the years to come. The clock tower (Uhrturm) is the symbol of Graz

- 5 - Decision: City for Cars or More Space for People For a long time the car pro- Not only public transport was cut back, mised unlimited mobility for many open spaces had to give way to everybody. On the upside it cars and traffic. Formerly green cour- tyards were turned into parking lots, could hold its promise- mo- many parks and trees fell victim to bility is higher than ever be- tarmac. fore. On the downside the car The calculation, however, did not pay causes accident victims, traf- off. More space for traffic caused fic noise and pollution of the more traffic, by now a well known fact. The problem of poor mobility arose environment. The dream of again- delayed in time and to an even unlimited mobility has long larger extent. The ever more growing turned into a nightmare. proportion of automotive vehicles in traffic increased the pollution of the environment – the danger of fine dust he first automobile produced in as a health risk which reduced the 1886 was an epochal inventi- quality of life considerably and which Ton. Ever since the first outing of is mainly caused by traffic in the area Karl Friedrich Benz in his three-wheel of Graz and surroundings has been „Motor Carriage“ equipped with a sin- discovered only recently. gle horsepower, the car has become The climatically adverse conditions of the symbol of technical innovation for the geographic basin location of the Today unthinkable: Cars in the city center economic growth but also for social city together with the weather phe- status. The ego is reflected in the car nomenon of temperature inversion we drive – and this may be the reason which is common to Graz in winter why discussions on cars often do not regularly causes high exposure levels pass the emotional level. of exhaust limit values. In the 1970s As in most European and North Ame- and 1980s it was mainly the smog rican countries the traffic policy for which suffocated the city; today it is the city of Graz has for a long time fine dust, nitrogen oxides and ozone concentrated on motorized individual in the summer. The bad air quality, transportation which promised many the ever more criticized traffic noise advantages in its early days (and un- and the negative results in the road disputedly still does so today). Traffic safety records in the 1970s caused a policies defined itself through mea- rethinking process in city politics. City sures for an increase in the road net- planning no longer was car oriented high performance streets which were only. A mirror image of mobility supposed to keep the traffic flowing smoothly and in this way help to red- This decision was made easier by uce exhaust emissions and fuel con- historic demands of the city’s struc- sumption. In order to ensure the flow ture: the medieval city center of Graz of unrestricted motor vehicle traffic, was, of course, built anything but car tramway lines were shut down – the friendly; the narrow alleys are best left circular line no. 2 on the Glacis was without cars. The aim of the city’s po- gradually suspended in the years litical representatives was to maintain 1962 to 1971, the line no. 3 to Gö- and improve the quality of life without sting as early as from 1955 to 1957. restricting the demand for mobility. In Through the year 1950 the Graz tram order to be able to direct the develop- net had been 41.3 km. It was reduced ment of traffic and its consequences to 29.3 km only ten years later. The in the region of Graz, data on the cur- last trolleybus in Graz which had run rent traffic situation was collected and between Griesplatz and Straßgang evaluated. Experts worked out three stopped its services after June 28, scenarios which included measures Safe and on foot in the pedestrian zone 1967. and effects up to the year 2010. The

- 6 - Gentle Mobility

A problem for car drivers and inhabitants: traffic jams, pollutants, traffic noise. The alternative: a gentle mobility

Scenario which proved to be best for park & ride facilities (as already in- the inhabitants and the city was to be stalled at Magna Steyr, at the feeder Traffic in Graz the basis for a future oriented and a street to the Autobahn A2 at Sternä- Every day 52.000 citizens of Graz use general comprehensive concept for ckerweg or in Weinzödl) in combinati- 40.000 cars to go to work. 136.000 innovative measures. on with new routes and projects ma- commuters come to Graz in 100.000 kes public transport more attractive cars daily. 220.000 cars pass through Commuters – a problem from (the new line no. 4 leading up to the the city on an average day and 47.000 park & ride facility at Sternäckerweg people pass the city limits using public the traffic point of view in Puntigam or the new local trans- transportation every day. port hub along the Southern railway in The city of Graz counts more than (Source: Graz Parking Facility Management, Puntigam and Don Bosco) and should 184.000 employees. Many of them Directorate of the City Building Authorities, reduce the strain on the traffic situa- Department for Traffic Planning) commute daily from regions outside tion in Graz. the city limits. The Integrated Traffic Concept of 1995 was based on an estimate of 70.000 commuters. To- day this figure has doubled because of lower costs of housing, a much more attractive living environment in the outskirts and beyond the city li- mits and because of the increase in people’s motorization. The trend continuously points towards an increase in commuters which is a problem for the limited traffic capacity of historically grown cities. Therefore, the concept of „Gentle Mobility“ aims at decreasing the number of commu- ters using private cars and moving them on to public transportation. The parking facility management with new

- 7 - In 1987 the city was faced with a sobering prognosis: Traffic experts predicted an increase of 25 percent in mo- tor vehicles by the year 2010. The prognosis led to three scenarios for a decision on future traffic policies.

he „Scenario Trend“ creates development without any Tcontrol measures. The traffic infrastructure alone will be designed to accommodate the fast growing rate of traffic and motorization. In this scenario roads increa se by 30 % in the center and by 50 % in the ac- cess roads leading to the center.

The Trend

The result: the volume of traffic in private motorized transport would increase by 30 %, whereby the per- centage of public transport, bicycle riders and pedestrians would de- crease considerably. Traffic noise and exhaust emissions have nega- tive effects on inhabitants and the environment. The traffic security inhabitants, environment and traffic bility in the city. Therefore a guide- for weaker players such as bicycle security. It places focus on the pro- line for gentle mobility was passed riders or pedestrians decreases. motion of those traffic participants as the „Transport Policy Guideline Urban quality of life decreases, on foot, on bike and on public trans- 2000“ in the city parliament of Graz property located in central areas port. The concept provides control in December 1992. of the city decreases in value; and measures, which limit the motorized urban sprawl and relocation to the traffic to a necessary limit and help communities surrounding Graz in- to reduce unnecessary journeys in Radical Changes in creases. favor of „gentle“ possibilities of mo- bility. As a result airborne pollutants Traffic Policies: A Long and Stony Road Car-Friendly City decrease while traffic security and quality of living increase. The analy- In the scenario „Car-Friendly City“ sis of the three scenarios came to a The way to „Gentle Mobility“ re- automobile traffic is actively promo- definite result: The implementation mained long and stony for those who ted and encouraged. Parts of the of the scenario of „Gentle Mobility“ wanted to implement the „Transport historic city center have to give way not only will improve the quality of Policy Guideline 2000“. As early as to traffic needs such as streets and life for the inhabitants of Graz but the 1970s the first strategies were parking spaces. This scenario calls will also sustain and improve mo- formed with the aim of covering the for an increase in the road capacity by 70 % and just as in the Scena- Traffic in Graz: Hope and Reality rio Trend an increase of 30 % for parking spaces for cars. The nega- tive consequences of the Scenario Trend are still increased and mani- fest in a massive way. Public Transport

Pedestrians

Gentle Mobility Cyclists

Individual Motor Car Traffic The third scenario of „Gentle Mobi- lity“ offers a clear improvement for Current Status 1991 Trend Guidance 2000 Current Status 2001 Current Status 2009

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so called VÜP solution advised a break with the one sided promotion of motorized individual traffic: only by enhancing the attractiveness of the public transportation system (tramway and bus) can the overall traffic situation be managed and at the same time the environmental situation be improved without com- promising the accessibility of the city.

The „Guidelines 2000“

For all those reasons stated above, the package which was adopted by the city parliament encompassed an intensive investment in bus and tram services combined with a fo- cused parking facility management to bring advantages for all parties involved. The package will allow an expansion of the road network only if the residents are not unreaso- nably negatively affected by it. The capacity of the inner city network of traffic routes is not to be expanded in order to not cause even more road traffic and to not increase the need for mobility in the cities at the elements of urban traffic are, howe- health risk caused by fine dust or same time keeping the negative ver, interdependent. Supply and de- the carbon dioxide CO2 emissions. effects for people, the city and the mand have a great influence on the environment as low as possible. transportation means of choice, the The principles of the „Gentle Mo- On average city inhabitants are on mobility behavior and last, but not bility” served as the basis for the the move in the city for a little more least, the entire city planning. The- „Transport Policy Guidelines 2000” than one hour per day. The remai- se findings served as the basis for which were adopted by the city ning 23 hours they are affected by comprehensive mobility concepts parliament of Graz. They state five the mobility behavior of others. The spanning across various means goals including strategies for the task at hand is, therefore, to obtain of transportation. Between 1977 implementation which will and have a balance between the fast and the and 1985 for the first time traffic helped to realize „Gentle Mobility“ in secure reachability of destinations experts of the city of Graz worked Graz. The „Guidelines 2000“ were and the demand for the highest out a „Solution across various me- in accordance with the „Austrian In- possible quality of life. A reorientati- ans of transport“ – for the Eastern tegrated Traffic Concept 1991“ and on in traffic planning was called for. part of the city. In this concept all the „Styrian Integrated Traffic Con- For a long time concepts for road means of transportation were con- cept 1991“. building and public transport were sidered according to their strengths been developed independently. All and weaknesses. The results of the

A bike & ride facility The Most Beautiful Train Station 2003 Modern: A Biodiesel-driven bus

- 9 - Today unthinkable: Through traffic in Griesgasse (upper left), on Jakominiplatz, (upper middle) and in Schmiedgasse (lower right)

Good Accessibility of the city. The speed limits shall Room for all Means of Traffic be adapted to the respective en- Good accessibility of all destinations vironment – and not the other way The proportion of bicycle riders and for the communal-, regional-, long around. pedestrian to the total of traffic par- distance- and freight traffic is a ticipants has to increase further. first point of focus of the new traffic Public transportation has to expand planning. Short Distances and increase and the portion of Not only the city itself, but also the motorized individual traffic has to destinations within the city have to Urban sprawl is one of the major be reduced further to an environ- be and remain well accessible- and problems of our times. New housing mentally acceptable limit. Particular this not only with the personal ve- concepts and structures in the sur- focus is put on the ecological and hicle but especially by public trans- roundings of Graz and the shopping economical interaction and coope- portation, which is to be expanded centers on the periphery of the city ration of all means of transportation and promoted extensively. These not only demand for more motor ve- and traffic. goals correspond to the new state hicles, they also attract motorized of awareness of the city concerning traffic. This is where community traffic and its ecological responsibi- policy makers for regional planning Citizen Participation lity. are challenged to come up with solutions for the necessary infra- There is little else inhabitants of the Compatible Traffic structure in a way that distances city feel as strongly about as the are shortened in order to allow for consequences and effects of traf- Traffic shall become more secure, accessibility on foot or by bicycle. fic- as everyone of us is daily con- more environmentally friendly and fronted with them. This is why traffic more compatible with the needs policies are democracy at its best.

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Decisions on Traffic Policies of the City of Graz Source: Department for City Development/Department for City Planning, Graz City Magistrate

● Trend-Setting Decisions on Traffic Policies from 1977 to 1985 Decision on the principles of traffic policies

● Integrated Traffic Concept for Graz 1987 Guideline on Traffic Policies and General Program of Measures

● VÜP 1988 to 1991, Solution Across Various Means of Transport for Graz-East Decision on the alternative „Tramway and Bus Concept“ corresponding with the Guideline „Gentle Mobility“

Continuation of the Integrated Traffic Concept for Graz 1987 ● Integrated Traffic Concept 1992

● Guideline 2000 on Traffic Policies Decision in December of 1992 – „Gentle Mobility“

● Integrated Traffic Concept – General Program of Measures The „GIVE“ Concept – Graz Integrated Traffic Development

● Tramway-Expansion Program December 2003

The inner city of Graz has not always been a place designated for people. As late as the 1970s cars were allowed to pass through Sporgasse (right), parked on Jakominiplatz or in Schmiedgasse- all places which have become pedestrian zones by now.

And this is also the reason why the 215 points, which had been dis- and tramway lines of public trans- „Guidelines on Gentle Mobility“ are cussed and defined by experts in portation and bicycle routes only. the result of a long public discus- the field. The GIVE Concept inclu- Adjacent to the pedestrian zones, sion among citizens, experts and des focus projects, directives for access roads are open to inhabi- politicians, which included a lot of routine works and traffic political tants and transporting supplies. In information sharing. As a result citi- measures, which encompass the order to improve the difficult par- zen participation measures are met region around Graz, the Province of king situation along the streets, with a high level of acceptance as Styria and the Federal level. several new underground parking confirmed by two popular referen- garages with hundreds of parking da conducted on the topic in July places have been built in the city 1995. Traffic Organisation center over the course of the past years. Outside of this core zone the In order to limit the economic-, chargeable short term parking zone The „GIVE“ Concept shopping-, and commuter traffic to „blue zone“ extends up to the circu- a „necessary“ scale, a new way of lar beltways, followed by the new The next step towards „Gentle Mo- handling traffic especially in the city „green parking zone“. bility“ was an Integrated Traffic center is called for: Concept – the so called Graz Inte- Exemption rules allow for afforda- grated Traffic Development – („Gra- Pedestrian zones, bicycle paths or ble long- term parking possibilities zer Integrierte Verkehrsentwicklung restricted speed zones have effec- for residents, whereby the commu- -GIVE“), which was decided on by tively improved mobility in the city. ters may get to the park & ride fa- the city government of Graz at the The new traffic organization works cilities with direct access to public end of 1995. The implementation on the basis of central pedestrian transport. was to be organized according to zones, which are crossed by bus

- 11 - Almost all areas of the city core are designated pedestrian zones to allow for space for people. Motorized traffic is limited to a necessary minimum.

Walking not only is one of the go. So it comes as little surprise that most primal ways of movement the proportion by pedestrians had de- of people, it also is healthy for creased 24 % in the year 1982, from the body and the circulatory there it further decreased to still 21 % in 1991 and finally 14 % in 2004. By system. Who walks sees more, the way, in 1991 a percentage of 23 can appreciate his/her envi- had still been estimated for the year ronment and contributes to an 2000. intact environment.

he proportion of pedestrians Space for People among traffic participants in TGraz has been decreasing In the year 1986 the city of Graz set continuously over the past decades the course for the implementation of and is currently at 14 %. The cause the concept of „Gentle Mobility“ for of this trend is the break-up of long- the inner city areas. The historic Old established structures: Local grocers Town in the center and the historic are pushed out of the market by big Murvorstadt were turned into pede- shopping centers which offer large strian zones, which may be used in parking spaces for the customers. some areas by bicycle riders, too. Urban sprawl and the increase in In the mornings this zone moreover motorization give people the impres- is open to loading activities. Pedestri- sion that they cannot do without cars ans may stroll through those areas wi- anymore to get to where they need to thout being subjected to the dangers

- 12 - Gentle Mobility of road traffic- the inner city has once again become a recreational space for people and may be used for va- rious activities. On the main square, for instance, which covers an area of 11,500 m² and which was reopened after a redesign in 2002 various ac- tivities such as Beach-Volleyball and Street-Soccer tournaments may take place. The Karmaliterplatz, which af- ter its redesign in 2004 shines in its new splendor, is the latest addition to the pedestrian zone of the city. In win- ter of 2005 it was used as a ice ska- ting rink for adults and children alike for the first time. The Freiheitsplatz as well has been spared by some of its traffic since 2004 – part of the square has been turned from a parking area to a recre- ational space for the inhabitants of Graz and the visiting tourists alike.

Awards Adjoining to the pedestrian zone (blue) traffic – calmed areas (pink) may be found. In 1992 Graz was awarded „the most pedestrian- friendly city of Austria“. In 1993 the city won the contest of the campaign „Child Secure Road Traffic“ organized by the Austrian Road Safety Board. In 1994 Graz was once again awarded for its efforts in the frame of the campaign „Children on the Road“ organized by the Austrian Transport Clubs. And in 2005 the Austrian Road Safety Board honored Graz with the Traffic Security Award.

Full Steam Ahead

Graz does not intent to rest on its lau- rels. The goal of the city is to be able to establish a comprehensive, com- fortable and secure net of pedestrian zones. Especially in the outer districts On Karmeliterplatz: pedestrian zone including a water fountain used as playground instead of its former use as a parking area. of the city many measures will still be taken to ensure the protection and quality of life in the city will increase. by a small children’s playground. On comfort for those on foot: Pedestrian In addition Graz wants to offer its in- the left river side, next to the Mur- Is- axes are to make the different parts of habitants and guests on foot many at- land the promenade along the river the city more accessible on foot and tractions: The Island in the river Mur Mur which was opened in 2002 starts. allow for easy and fast reach of the which was designed for the city by the It leads under the Main Bridge and various destinations. American star- architect Vito Acconci Tegetthof Bridge downriver up to the This „green net“ which will also bring for the year 2003 in which Graz was area of the Augarten park. The pro- advantages for bicycle riders will con- „European Cultural Capital“, is a pe- menade with its many vantage points, nect all important goals, so that peo- destrian zone in its own right in the benches and nice places to relax is ple may start on foot from home- and center of the river. In the part desi- always busy and very popular with not by car. If shops, schools, child gned as a amphitheater, outdoor the- people. Climbers are happy about the care facilities or public transportation atre performances are staged, in the climbing wall which has been open stops are made more easily acces- covered half of the island an attractive since October 2003 and which is lo- sible for pedestrians, many car rides café looking out on the water may be cated along the promenade near the will become avoidable. In this way the found. The two halves are connected Mur – Island.

- 13 - A Green Net for Graz

Green zones stand for a high quality of life in the city. In Graz many green zones at the same time serve as routes of gentle mobility. The „Green Net“ extends over 550 km and increases the quality of city life for bicycle riders, pedes- trians, children and adults.

f you look at a satellite picture of Graz, the green face of the city Ibecomes visible. Not only from far away, but also from a close- up per- spective, Graz presents itself as a green city. Parks, tree-lined avenues, playgrounds, green courtyards and blooming gardens may be found all over the city.

The „Green Net“ connects these green zones, linking resident areas with parks, playgrounds and ultima- tely the woods at the city limits. The linking happens in a „green way“, by means of pathways, green foot- and ween all green areas, which allows home to various wildlife and plants; it bicycle paths and other lanes reser- nature to exist and to be experienced improves the air quality in Graz, influ- ved for „Gentle Mobility“. in an urban context. The „Green Net“ ences the climate and filters air-borne serves four major objectives. For one pollutants. Last but not least the net The „Green Net“ consists of green there is its traffic function. On green has a creative and aesthetic function: areas and their connections. The paths, traffic – calmed roads, along Tree- lined avenues are not only beau- „Green Net“ takes into account the meadows or brooks people connect tiful to look at, they are an element of growth of the city. It is a commitment from their homes to the grocery store, design which may give normally un- to the preservation of green zones work or the next park or playground in attractive parts of the city a pleasant even in the light of city development a recreational and healthy way. The look and also makes orientation ea- and the construction of new housing car does not have to be used. sier. The overall idea is to offer secure schemes and traffic roads. Parks, and recreational mobility for children playgrounds and gardens and even and adults alike, recreation on the individual trees are important for city Recreational and Healthy doorstep, green streets and resident ecology and the quality of life. areas and to provide clean air as well The second objective is the recrea- In order to secure the green areas ac- as ecological diversity within the city. tional function. Doing sports in sport cordingly, the need for their protection In Graz this idea becomes reality. facilities, parks and playgrounds or was stated as early as 1980 in the City Development Concept. The „Green simply spending time there is just as Net“ is the logical consequence of the healthy as it is recreational. city development concept in this area. Relaxing after a tiring day is possi- At the same time it is not an obligatory ble without taking a trip to faraway norm, but a dynamic system that ser- places. Thanks to the „Green Net“ it is ves city planning schemes as a basis possible to relax close by at places in to which the city feels committed. The easy gentle mobility reach. A further long-term goal is the preservation function of the net is the city ecolo- and further development of a net bet- gical importance of green zones. It is Bicycle Route in Augarten

- 14 - Gentle Mobility

With the many innovative ideas Graz set for the promo- tion of the bicycle traffic, the city attained the reputation of being the „Bicycle Capital of Austria“. Graz continues to place a strong emphasis on the bicycle as the „gentle me- ans of traffic” par excellence.

icycle riding is the thing to do in Graz. One look at the main Bsquare proves how popular the bicycle is in Graz: The parking places for bicycles are mostly crammed and bicycle riders mark the cityscape as much as pedestrians. No wonder; ever since its commitment to „Gentle Mobility“ the city has put much effort into the expansion of bicycle routes in Graz and has created a wide network of bicycle paths. Starting from the city center the bicycle path network spans across the city up to the outer districts and beyond into the communities sur- rounding Graz.

In 2008 its length was 110 km with continuous expansions in plan. The goal the city has set to achieve are 190 km of bicycle paths and routes in order to allow for the bicycle riders to move securely and fast around the city.

Right of Way for Bicycle Riders

In order to increase the mobility by bicycle, the city has opened one way streets for bicycles and has granted exceptions for bicycles in traffic ban- ned zones. Traffic areas have been designated to bicycle paths and bi- cycle parking areas. Where cars are stuck in traffic, bicycle riders can ea- sily slip through. 190 km will be the length of the Graz bicycle route network after its completion.

Velo-City 1999

In cooperation with the city of Maribor, Graz held the „Velo-City Congress“ in April 1999.

400 experts from 38 countries ex- changed their expertise, knowledge and information on the topic. The con- gress had a sustainable effect on the city. The bicycle path along Lendkai Model of best practice in bicycle traffic: the bicycle underpass beneath Kepler Bridge

- 15 - Net of bicycle routs (110 km) was, for instance, completed during More Bicycle Riders tria it offers bike & ride. To commute to this event. in the City the city by train and to continue from the train station to the working place After „Velo-City“ many connections to The measures of the city are showing by bike- no problem in Graz. A rent- the outer districts, tangential routes effect. In the year 1982 the proportion a-bike facility and a bicycle service between the districts and routes out of bicycle riders was about 8 % which unit provide fast and easy mobility on of the city were established. A high- increased to 14 % by the year 2004. two wheels. Those who are not fami- light in the bicycle events of Graz was The goal set at finally16 %. In order to liar with Graz and want to explore the the connection to the „Alpentour“, the achieve this goal, the city has under- city on bicycle may make use of the longest bicycle route across Austria taken further efforts and measures online digital bicycle route map which which spans 1134 km with Graz and to make bicycle riding even more at- is user- friendly. After typing in the de- Vienna as its corner marks. tractive to the inhabitants of Graz and stination of choice the map will show commuters alike. the best bicycle route connections to The staging of the Mountain-Bike- get you to your goal. The digital map European Championship in Graz and also indicates points of danger, rent- Stattegg in the year 2003 and the Bicycle Station, digital Bicycle a-bike. „UEC Mountainbike Marathon Ma- Route Map, Rent-a-Bike and sters European Championship“ which Bicycle Service Unit took place in Graz and Stattegg from 2005 to 2007 prove once more that In December 2004 the bicycle station Graz is a stronghold and important was opened at the main train station center of bicycle riding. of Graz. As the first of its kind in Aus-

- 16 - Gentle Mobility Right of Way for Public Transportation

Especially in the public trans- traffic has increased drastically. Es- in the total of car drives more relevant portation system a lot of inno- pecially the traffic in cars between the than ever. In order to be able to fulfill surrounding communities and the city this requirement we not only have to vations have been achieved itself has reached alarming propor- increase the capacity of public regio- since the year 2000. Several tions – about 157.000 people come nal transportation, but also make pu- tangential bus lines were es- from the region to the city itself every blic transportation a more attractive tablished, new local traffic day, of which 21.000 are using public offer. Graz is working hard to achieve hubs were built, three tram- transportation while the majority of this objective. 136.000 come by car- either driving way lines were prolonged. themselves or riding with somebody. The overall aim is to make A further increase in these numbers Attractive Public Transportation public transportation extre- can be expected. mely attractive; to the extent The concept of „Gentle Mobility“ calls In The city of Graz, the Province of of finally stopping the steady for an interception of this mass of car Styria and the Federal ministries have drives through public transportation. spent millions of Euro on investments growth in the number of car In 1991 the proportion of public trans- in the public transportation system: In drives. portation of the overall traffic situati- March 2001 the first of 18 new „City on in Graz was at 18 %. This value Runners“ was launched. The high- s a consequence of urban increased slightly to 19 % in 2005 – ly modern and comfortable low-floor sprawl and the growing number the objective stated in the „guidelines tramway type has proved successful , Aof people and vehicles in the 2000“ to increase this value to 21 % more tramways of the type Variotram greater area of Graz the volume of by 2010 is in the face of the increase follow from 2009 to 2012.

- 17 - Public transportation in Graz could not do without the tramway. More than 52 Million passengers are riding it per year.

In the frame of the construction of bus stop right up to their door step. In up to 314.000 passengers per day! the Koralm Railway two new local addition the busses of the Graz Public In order to be more attractive still, traffic hubs have been built along the Transportation Company – GVB are the tramway network was prolonged Southern Railway in Puntigam und role models as far as the environment by about four km between 2005 and Don Bosco. Here commuters can is concerned. Already in 1994 the city the end of 2007. Tramway line no. 6 connect to bus and/or tramway lines initiated the project Ecodrive which now leads up to Peterstal and offers directly and in this way comfortably aims at replacing diesel fuel by bio an attractive alternative to the car in reach their destinations in the city. On diesel derived from old food oil. To- its catchment area for roughly 12,000 February 1, 1999 the first tangential day all busses are fuelled with Biodie- inhabitants. Line no. 4 was prolonged line, the „route 62“ was launched. It sel only. Furthermore all buses have by 1,3 km and now runs all the way to runs through six districts in the West of been equipped with particle filters for the shopping center Murpark, where Graz. In the year 2000 „route 64“ fol- the reduction of fine dust by the end a park & ride – facility has been in- lowed to service the southern districts of the year 2006. stalled. In this way commuting, con- of the city. The city presently has an necting lines and shopping are com- extensive tangential lines net compri- bined perfectly. Line no. 5 now turns at sing of the bus lines no. 41, 50, 52, More Tramway the local – traffic hub Puntigam, which 58, 62, 63 and 64. In order to provide has started operations jointly with the the “night owls” with an alternative to In 1999 the electric tramway in Graz launching of the prolonged tram line the car, seven night bus lines which celebrated its 100th anniversary. To- no. 5 in 2006. There commuters can securely carry their passengers home day it is the foundation of a well func- easily connect from train to bus or during the late hours have been es- tioning public transportation system. tramway. Residents and passengers tablished since January 2003. At the The tramways run a total of 11.6 mil- alike appreciate the noise – insulating last stop a taxi is waiting which carries lion km per year on an integrated net- and vibration – free substructures. the passenger since 1997 from the work of 286 km in the city and carry

- 18 - Gentle Mobility

Transport Association cept of „Gentle Mobility“. The Desiro ch 2003 in such an attractive way (Verkehrsverbund) – low-floor – railcars of the Austrian that it was voted „most beautiful train Railway Services – ÖBB, which have station of Austria“ by passengers. Up been connecting Graz and the region to today a huge painting, which was On February 28, 1994 the Traffic As- since 2004 are a good and comforta- completed in the frame of „Graz Eu- sociation Styria was initiated. The ble example how the railway can be- ropean Cultural Capital 2003“ deco- Traffic Association is a cooperation come the more attractive alternative rates the ceiling evoking a unique am- network of 63 Styrian transportation to the street. The suburban railway bience in the central entrance hall. companies (as of 2008). Styria is di- was launched on December 12, 2007 Already during the time of the re- vided in zones. In this way with one with 71 new railway connections to construction the transformation of transport association ticket (Verbund- Graz. The financing of the transport the Southern Railway Line to a high- ticket) several zones can be crossed, association system in the Graz region performance line. After the comple- a unitary system for 1,2 million Sty- are shared between the federal go- tion the distance between Graz and rians. Already in its first year after vernment (33,33 %), the province of Klagenfurt will be covered in less than the launching of the new system the Styria (42,43 %) and the city of Graz one hour. In addition the railway line number of passengers using public (24,24 %). Because of the fact that will be extended to the airport Thaler- transport increased by 16 %. More the communities surrounding Graz hof and will be connected to it under- than 70 million passengers year- contribute practically nothing towards ground, whereby the passengers are ly (excluding pupils’ rides!) use the the transport association lines, alt- offered a comfortable and easy con- Styrian transport association lines hough the lines run through the very nection to the center. This construc- by now, of which 55 Million are using communities efforts are being made tion site has been in progress since them in Graz and its surroundings, to establish a fairer funding key. 2004 while the Koralm- Tunnel-Pro- the pupils are not yet counted in tho- ject is being undertaken in the time se figures. Including pupils the Graz A Better Way frame from 2008 to 2016. lines alone transport more than 100 million passengers a year! The Traf- of Travelling Abroad fic Association Styria actively coope- Commuters who have to cover gre- Railroads instead of Roads rates in the concept of „Steirertakt“ – at distances can’t help but use the starting in 1996 the railroad traffic in railway services. And this is why the In June 2003 construction on the fri- the Graz region and its environment Austrian railway Services, the city, ght terminal Werndorf was completed. (train stations and stops) has consi- province and the federal government In an area of 500,000m² freight traffic stently been made more attractive. are setting vital accents in order to is transferred from road to rail. This The goal is a suburban railway for upgrade the railway services. service helps to decrease truck traffic the Graz region- the alternative for The central train station in Graz was in the city of Graz and in this way con- commuters consistent with the con- reconstructed from July 2001 to Mar- tributes to environmental protection.

Plan net extension tramway lines Dynamic passenger information

- 19 - Highlights in the Net of Tramway Lines

The local-traffic hub Puntigam connects tramway-, railway-, bus services, car- and bicycle traffic.

Three tramway lines were East to West. Thanks to the building lengthened from the former last lengthened between 2005 of the new Koralm Railway the tram- stop Schulzentrum to Peterstal. The way line no. 5 was lengthened pas- line extension was constructed in and 2007. In this way the total sing through one of the underpasses a sp,ecial low-vibration, „typical for length of the net of tramway to the new local-traffic hub built at Graz“ way. Since November 2007 line lines in Graz was extended Puntigam, an innovation which began no. 6 has been lengthened by 1,8 km by 3,5 km. Commuters, car construction in December 2006. The and now leads up to the Wiener- drivers and bicycle riders as local-traffic hub in Puntigam is an at- berger residential community through tractive connecting service between Petersgasse, Eisteichgasse, Breiten- well as shoppers benefit from the railway, tramway, bus, bicycle and weg and Peterstalstraße. Roughly this improvement. the car. 12.000 people live in this catchment area and benefit from the lengthened any improvements were tramway line no. 6. made in public transportati- Connecting Lines The city of Graz, the province of Sty- and Shopping Mon in the period from 2005 to ria, the federal government, the com- 2007-even more improvements than For commuters and for those who are pany HL-AG and other project parti- in 1986 when the tramway line was cipants dug deep in their pockets in lengthened from Alt-Eggenberg to the going shopping the tramway line no. 4 was lengthened by about 1,3 km order to help out and promote the Accident Hospital. The net of tramway now leading up to the shopping cen- public transportation system in Graz. lines in Graz was extended by 3,5 km. ter Murpark in the district of Liebenau. The extension of line no. 6 cost 21,4 Bicycle riders, car drivers as well as There people can park their car in the million Euro. Line no. 4 cost 10,4 milli- pedestrians benefit from these tram- new park & ride facility and connect to on Euro. Line no. 5 including the local- way lines extensions. public transportation and/or go shop- traffic hub cost 15,5 million Euro. ping in one of the 80 shops located in the shopping center Murpark. At night Local-Traffic Hub those 2.000 parking places of the Faster Transportation shopping center also serve as park How does it work? For instance & ride places for guests of events in In order to allow for faster transporta- through the upgrading of the Koralm the City Hall (Stadthalle) or in the in- tion by tramway and bus, the city Railway to a high- performance rail- ner city. has installed more bus and tramway way leading south from Graz Central lanes. In addition, the light phases of Railway Station, seven new under- traffic lights were set to correspond to passes were built. In this way cars are Line Extensions the schedules for bus and tramway as no longer subjected to long waiting for the Residents of Graz a measure to increase the speed of periods in front of railway gates. Pe- public transportation. destrians, bicycle riders and the car Not for commuters but for residents traffic now passes more easily from of Graz, the tramway line no. 6 was

- 20 - Gentle Mobility Speed 30/50 in Graz

Since the introduction of the risk of having a fatal accident has in the zone. The emissions of nitro- tempo 30 zone in the year even decreased by 90 %! gen oxides (NOx) could be reduced 1992, the number of acci- by 24 % within the test zone and by 2 % throughout the city. The subjec- dents has decreased and Fewer Injuries tively perceived noise exposure of the quality of life has greatly residents next to formerly busy roads improved because of the re- Today the tempo 30 zone is met with decreased noticeably. duction in noise and exhaust a high level of acceptance – the latest emissions. extension by 23 km (on 40 streets) at the end of 2003 was highly welcomed. More Traffic Security he road network in Graz is 996 Currently 80 % of all roads in Graz km long, (not including high- are designated tempo 30 zones. On The speed level decreased at first- Tways inside the city limits). 802 the remaining 20 % – main and priori- probably because of the constant km of the total are designated tempo ty roads – 80 % of all traffic accidents speed controls. But as an increase 30 zones. Only priority roads are tem- in Graz happen. This improvement of in the speed level has be observed in po 50 zones. the traffic situation, which is interna- recent years, private speed controls tionally regarded as a positive inno- have been encouraged and supported The introduction of the extensive tem- vation, was made after a pilot phase in the zone since 2006, in order to fur- po 30 zones proved to be the step between September 1992 and August ther improve the traffic security. The most fiercely challenged on the way 1994, which showed positive results: initial rejection of the zone – in 1992 towards „Gentle Mobility“ – and at the With the introduction of the zone the only one out of three car drivers sup- same time the most effective. This numbers of accidents reduced by 24 ported it – gave way to a wide appro- „deceleration“ policy increased the %; in this way about 250 people were val. In 1994 two out of three people quality of life in Graz and the traffic spared from being injured in traffic ac- were already in favor of the zone and security situation enormously. In front cidents per year! today it has long proved its worth and of schools the risk of accidents was In addition the noise level and the ex- is no longer a topic of discussion. decreased by the temp 30 zones. The haust emissions reduced noticeably

Since 1992 tempo 50 only on main roads

- 21 - The limited parking zone in the city offers 13.000 parking places. Environmentally-friendly vehicles park at reduced rates. Parking in Graz

The concept of parking facility spaces available within the beltway parked for 40 instead of normally 80 management has proven to be limits – 8000 of which were transfor- Cents per half hour. In the length of an effective instrument for the med to the so called „Blue Zone“ with parking the city sends a signal of to- a maximum length of parking of three lerance rather than strict punishment: management of motor vehicle hours. Ever since the last extensi- Only those who are late and exceed traffic. The goal remains to ef- on of the Blue Zone in 2005 the city their parking period by more than 13 fectively shift commuter flows manages more than 13.000 parking minutes get a fine. to public transportation. spaces, which require a parking ticket at the cost of 1,2 Euro per hour and a city has to be accessible; a city maximum parking limit of 3 hours at a The Green Zone needs parking spaces. This is time on weekdays between 9AM and Awhy the city of Graz aimed at 8PM (9AM to 1PM on Saturdays). „Parking Facility Management is the facilitating shopping traffic and pro- The Blue Zone extends to the beltway only effective means to convince moting business traffic.At the same streets, a distance which gently forces people to change“, stated former Vice time it is problematic for all cities to commuters to make use of park & ride Mayor Erich Edegger. He introduced guarantee a sufficient amount of par- facilities – or of public transportation the Blue Zone which was the forerun- king spaces for all inhabitants, shop- for their way to and from work. ner of „Gentle Mobility.“ In 2006 the pers and commuters. In the sense of Inhabitants of Graz may purchase a „Green Zone“, a further parking zone „Gentle Mobility“ the main goal was residents’-parking ticket, which per- surrounding the Blue Zone, was intro- to shift the massive commuter flows mits them long-term parking within duced under the city councilor of Traf- to public transportation. The space the Blue Zone. Since the extension fic, Gerhard Rüsch. The Green Zone gained was to be designated to bicy- of the Blue Zone and the introduction aims at stopping the commuter cars cle riders, joggers, pedestrians and of residents’-ticket, the complaints which cause major traffic problems playing children about a lack of parking opportunities at the city limits in Graz and to take for residents have mostly stopped. A the parking pressure off the residen- The Blue Zone special lower rate („ecological par- tial areas. The Green Zones offered king“) is charged for environment- 8.000 parking spaces when it was ini- This concept worked out thanks to friendly vehicles, which correspond tiated in the summer of 2006. Parking the proactive parking facility manage- to the Euro – IV – Exhaust Emission in the Green Zone costs 40 Cent per ment and parking facility policies. Standard and have low levels of CO2- half hour. To park all day costs 5 Euro, In 1995 there were 12.500 parking emissions. These vehicles can be whereby commuters may purchase a

- 22 - Gentle Mobility

The lower priced Green Zone connects to the Blue Zone in the city center. monthly ticket of 34 Euro and a ye- and below Karmeliterplatz (the gara- them an alternative would not have arly ticket is offered for 324 Euro.Re- ge called Pfauengarten) one can lea- been fair. Instead Graz came to the sidents only pay four Euro a month ve the car right in the center of the city conclusion that the best alternative for a parking place inside the Green and go shopping or enjoy the cultural would be to establish park & ride fa- Zone, which is then secured for them. highlights of Graz. The shortage of cilities, where commuters can easily The Green Zone really is an alterna- parking spaces in the inner city, which and comfortably connect from car to tive model to the city toll, which is im- was discussed and received com- public transportation in order to get to plemented in London or, for instance, plaints in the late 1990s has in this their working place in the city. Several Stockholm to control the traffic volu- way finally been eliminated. The par- projects have been realized already, me. Graz does not want to ban traffic king garage Pfauengarten offers par- as for instance the park & ride facility from the city, but a system with par- king at a reasonable cost with parking in Andritz, the parking garage near the king tariffs graduated by price aims at tickets at an hourly rate of 2,2 Euro company Magna Steyr in Liebenau promoting public transportation and during the daytime. The construction and the park & ride facility on Ster- making it more attractive to connect of the parking garage had the effect näckerweg which started operations to this means of Gentle Mobility. The that cars in that area no longer have with the lengthening of the tramway profit from the Blue and Green Zones to park on Freiheitsplatz and Karme- line no. 4 in March 2007. The park & is spent on further measures in traffic literplatz and as a consequence the- ride facility at the local traffic hub in policies. se two squares could be transformed Puntigam was completed in 2008 and pedestrian – friendly. The entire Kar- more are to come in Graz-Webling meliterplatz has become a pedestrian and in Mariatrost at the east access Parking Garages zone; children are happy with the wa- road to Graz. In order to win the ac- ter fountain in which they are allowed ceptance of the users, the city offers In order not to negatively affect the to splash and play. On Freiheitsplatz tickets for the park & ride facilities at shopping traffic, many underground the cafés now offer inviting outside attractive rates. The monthly ticket for parking garages were built offe- sitting areas. the park & ride facility at Sternäcker- ring hundreds of additional parking weg, for instance, costs 53 Euro – in- spaces to those who shop in the in- cluding the monthly ticket for Public ner city. Underneath the Museum of Park & Ride Transportation. This is only 16,9 Euro Contemporary Art (Kunsthaus) and more than the cost for a monthly ti- Nikolaiplatz, since 2004 underneath To take away parking possibilities cket for public transport alone! the department store Kastner & Öhler from commuters without offering

- 23 - Graz sets Trends

Since the year 2002 Graz has transportation at its best. Another in- been a partner in the biggest novative improvement for passengers EU-program on facilitating is the electronic control system which coordinates the positions of busses and promoting innovative and tramways through a control cen- traffic measure: „CIVITAS ter. It helps to reduce the chance that Trendsetter Graz“ sets new passengers miss their connecting trends in traffic policies and bus or tramway by seconds to a mi- prolongs the success story nimum.

of the concept „gentle Mobi- Information on the schedule and on lity“. all questions concerning „Gentle Mo- bility“ can be obtained at the mobility n impressive total of 17 pro- center in Jakoministraße which was jects in traffic policies were opened in 2004 and is also reco- Arealized in Graz in the time gnized as part of the „Trensetter“ pro- frame of the EU-project „CIVITAS gram. Those who have no time to go Trendsetter“. Together with the pro- there can make use of the „Bus-Train- ject partners Stockholm, Lille, Pecs Tram Information“ (BusBahnBim), the and Prague, Graz was awarded the online electronic information service project as one of eight winners in the on the schedule of the Transport As- Complete info on the schedule CVITAS-Project Call of the European sociation Lines. The „Bus-Train-Tram Commission. The project started in Information“ provides all schedules of 2002 and was designed for a period the tramway lines in Graz, the sche- of four years. dules of all regional bus lines in Sty- During this time a total of 12 million ria, and of the Austrian and internati- Euro was spent on new innovative onal railway services. In addition, the strategies for a more environment- „Door-to Door-Information“ navigation friendly and more efficient urban service shows the best possible route traffic concept. Of this sum 4,2 milli- from a given point A to a destination B on Euro were EU-funded. The result: within the city limits of Graz. This can The project „Trendsetter“ actually set be found at www.busbahnbim.at new trends in all areas of the traffic situation. It is no longer necessary to know the name of the respective bus or tram

Door- to –door information at Mobil Zentral stop, one can enter a street name or Innovations in Public Trans- other points of orientation such as portation names of hotels, churches, tourist sites or event locations. At the end of The highest investments were made 2005 the electronic „Bus-Train-Tram in public transportation. The intro- Information“ planned about 15.000 duction of the night busses in 2003 routes per day. would not have been possible without „Trendsetter“. Currently seven lines successfully run through the nights More Space for People in Graz and meanwhile transport up to 100.000 passengers per year. In Pedestrians profited from „Trendset- order to avoid the tiresome waiting at ter“, too. The reconstruction of the up- the bus stops, a new electronic infor- per Neutorgasse, which was planned mation system was installed which in- taking into account the results of a ci- forms the passengers of the schedule tizen participation process, was also and tells them in how many minutes implemented in the time frame of this the next bus tramway line will arrive. In EU-project. The street is now traffic- addition adaptations at bus and tram- calmed, was given an „entrance- por- way stops were made to make them tal“ and ends in an enlarged square The footbridge E. Steininger-Steg is the longest bridge in Graz. wheelchair- accessible, barrier- free for people.

- 24 - Europe

Even more space for people can be bicycle map. (The new underpass is a found on Karmeliterplatz which in long expected close of the gap in the May 2005 became the latest designa- bicycle path along the river Mur (Mur- ted pedestrian zone of Graz. radweg) as well as a commitment to The newly designed pedestrian zone environment friendly politics.) offers a water fountain in which child- „Trendsetter“ also explored the mo- ren are allowed to play, benches to bility behavior in general and promo- relax on and some trees. The close- ted mobility projects in companies in by Freiheitsplatz (Liberty Square) Graz which aimed at a change of its today lives up to its name: during its employees from car to bicycle use. re-design parking spaces had to give Information sessions, fitness cam- way to people. Ten Field Maple trees, paigns, bicycle events and sweep- benches and a water fountain create stakes helped to reduce the proporti- a tranquil and reflective atmosphere on of those driving their cars to work on Freiheitsplatz. by 15 % among participating compa- nies. And in order for the little ones to learn More Comfort how to ride a bike and feel secure on for Bicycle Riders it, „Trendsetter“ made it possible for bicycle training to be offered in all pri- Bicycle Riding has long been a tra- mary schools in 2004. Ever since it More traffic security because of tempo 30 dition in Graz and is extremely po- has become part of the standard pro- pular not only because of its health gram offered for our young pupils. – promoting aspects, but also be- cause of the fact that bicycle riding is environmentally-friendly. The project A Healthier Environment „Trendsetter“ has invested in further innovations for this means of „Gentle Thanks to „Trendsetter“ apart from Mobility“ in Graz. The „Digital Bicycle the city buses most of the taxis in Map of Graz“ provides information on Graz by now run on Biodiesel, too. the best bicycle route from A to B with The fuel derived from old oil is- be- the least traffic to be expected. Right cause no fossil resources are used- after its opening the „Elise-Steinin- almost environmentally neutral as far ger-Steg“ underpass beneath Kepler as the exhaust emissions are concer- Bridge could be found on the digital ned. Furthermore Graz introduced

Less CO2: Good for young and old

Project Ecodrive (Ökodrive): GVB-busses and taxis in Graz are fuelled with Biodiesel made from old oil and are, therefore, CO2-neutral and more environmental- friendly.

- 25 - the system of „Ecological Parking“: ed. Ökodrive stands for low- level- nagement. The project turned out to The „Ecological Chip“ environment- emission – or even zero – emission be profitable for all partners involved: friendly vehicles which have low le- vehicles including the infrastructure Every Euro spent on „Gentle Mobility“ vels of CO2-emissions pay 30 % less necessary for their operation. At the measures such as the promotion of for parking in the Blue Zone. For more same time through its participation in public transportation or bicycle traf- security on the roads the city has in- SUGRE, the city strengthens its po- fic yields a profit of 10 Euro through stalled speed measuring instruments sition as a know-how leader in gentle a reduced traffic – and environmental in the frame of „Trendsetter“ which in- and environment – friendly mobility. In burden! form car drivers in the tempo 30 zone this case 21 European cities benefit on their actual speed. from the expertise of the city of Graz. The introduction of the speed measu- In October 2005 the EU-Project ring instruments alone caused a red- PIMMS started. PIMMS stands for uction in the average speed level of „Partner Initiatives for the Develop- 5km/ hour, the highest speeds even ment of Mobility Management“. The reduced by 20 %-„gentle awareness main topic was to find out how mobi- raising“. lity management can be implemen- ted in a stronger and more effective way in regional transportation and environment- friendly policies. Mobi- „Green Fleets“ lity management is understood as a demand-oriented approach with the More Bicycle Riders Because of the successful participati- objective of facilitating environment- and Pedestrians on in the first EU- projects on the to- friendly mobility. pic of traffic, the city continues to take Graz, Bromley (UK), Stockholm In February 2006 the ASTUTE-Pro- part in traffic related EU- programs. (Sweden), Serres (Greece), Terrassa ject of the EU-Commission started. The follow- up of Civitas Trendsetter (Spain), Treviso (Italy), Almada (Po- It has an ambitious goal: to raise the is called „SUGRE-Sustainable Green land) and Frankfurt (Germany) are proportion of bicycle riders and pede- Fleets“. The project aims at making the partner cities in the PIMMS-pro- strians in the traffic situation by 10 % urban public transportation environ- ject. In the framework of the project at the same time reducing the CO2 ment- friendly. As started in Trendset- the partner cities carried out travel emissions by equally 10 %. Partner ter, the project Ökodrive (Ecodrive) management and awareness raising cities of Graz in ASTUTE were Buda- with its partners the company Graz activities for the choice of means of pest (Hungary), Dublin (Ireland), Gra- AG (Grazer Stadtwerke- Public Utili- transportation, offered mobility ed- nada (Spain), London (UK) und Syra- ty Services) and the connected Graz ucation in schools and promoted kus (Greece). A survey conducted by City Transport (GVB) will be continu- regional networking in mobility ma- the British government served as the

„Green” bus fleets thanks to EU- projects Awareness raising for more bicycle riders in Graz proves successful: A full parking place in front of Graz Central Railway Station.

- 26 - Europe basis for the project. The survey con- Research has found out that traffic Prize-Worthy cluded that through improvements is responsible for at least two thirds by mobility management, urban traf- of the fine dust pollution – from ex- The commitment is paying off. Graz fic would be reduced by up to 21 % hausts and non – exhaust sources was awarded „CIVITAS City of the during peak periods. At the same such as abrasion of tires, of brakes, year 2008“ – for its long lasting ex- time walking and bicycle riding are road surfaces and the generation of emplary efforts for innovative solu- the healthiest and most sustainable fugitive dust. A further cause is do- tions for a cleaner City traffic. means of movement (in the sense of mestic coal, while the proportion of less CO2- emissions). The ASTUTE- the industry is negligible. The EU- EU-Programs in Graz project lasted until January 2009. The LIFE project KAPA GS (the Anti- aim was to by then have significantly PM10-action program of Klagenfurt Traffic programs of the EU have raised the acceptance of walking and in cooperation with Graz and South been welcomed in Graz ever sin- bicycle riding in the participating ci- Tyrol) is all about setting various ce. ties, to have increased the proportion measures based on the polluter’s of pedestrians and bicycle riders in responsibility principle. While the From 2002 to 2006 the Mobility relation to the start of the project and partner city of Bolzano focuses on Center, a modern schedule infor- to have decreased CO2 – emissions. traffic bans during fine dust peak mation service, and barrier-free days to bring relief, Graz aims at re- bus stops were established in the ducing motorized individual traffic. frame of the CIVITAS „Trendset- The Graz approach does not place ter“ project. Furthermore, 100% emphasis on traffic bans, but rat- of the bus fleet of the Graz pu- In addition, the support of companies, her on making public transportation blic transportation company GVB changed to the use of Biodiesel which clearly benefit from tailor-made more attractive, optimizing street- as fuel. In October 2005 PIMMS mobility concepts, was an expected cleaning as well as improved winter started, which focused on a chan- result. road maintenance. ge of views in the mobility beha- Domestic coal is to be replaced vior. by sustainable methods of heating Less Fine Dust such as subsidized district- central- The ASTUTE project targeted a heating-connections. An integrated reduction of the CO2 emissions The limits for fine dust (PM10) are air-quality measurement network in Graz – through an increase in massively exceeded on more than and a mathematical model in real the proportion of bicycle riders the EU-law acceptable 35 days in operation support the efforts of the and pedestrians in the traffic si- the winter half of the year in the ci- participating cities against the fine tuation. ties Klagenfurt, Graz and Bolzano. dust particles

The local- traffic hub Don Bosco makes connecting to bus, tramway and railway services attractive– every car less helps to reduce fine dust.

- 27 - Area 127,6 km2

Inhabitants** about 310.000

• thereof Principal Residents* 257.898

• thereof Women 133.899

• thereof Men 123.999

Households 105.826

Employees 183.393

Companies 10.692

Individual Transport*

Commuters about 136.000 with more than 100.000 Pkw

Vehicles 146.923

• thereof Cars 117.206

Persons per Car 1,22

Cars/1.000 Inhabitants 473

Road Network 1.100 km

• thereof Streets with Right of Way 194 km

Traffic Lights 268

Computer Controlled Traffic Lights 168

Parking Sites within Limited Parking Area 21.800

Parking Sites in Underground Garages 10.500

Net of Bycicle Routes > 110 km

Pedestrian Areas 53.000 m2

Parking Sites within the „Blue Zone“ Blue Zone: 14.300

Parking Sites within the „Green Zone“ Green Zone: 7.500

Public Transportation*

Net of Tramway Routes 49 km

Net of Bus Routes 343 km

Number of Tramway Lines 8

Number of Bus Lines 37

Kilometers per Year (Public Transportation) 11,4 Millionen

Transported Persons per Year 98,2 Millionen

• thereof with Tramway 52,3 Millionen

Amount of Fare Dodgers 4,3 % Imprint: Modal Split* City of Graz, Car Drivers 35,7 % The Executive Office for Urban Planning, Car Passengers 9,5 % Development and Construction European Programmes and Public Transportation 19,9 % International Cooperation Unit Cyclists 16,1 % Supported by the Eropean Union Pedestrians 18,8 % Pictures: Transport Safety* 2008 2009 G. Ablasser, H. Falk, T. Fischer, H. Steiner, Magistrat, ÖBB. Accidents with Persons Injured 2.107 1.996 Persons Hurt in Road Traffic 2.592 2.405 Text: Thomas Stanzer Persons Killed in Road Traffic 12 4 Layout: Irene Brischnik Translation: Bakk.phil. Nicola Baloch Accidents with Pedestrians Involved 280 224

Accidents with Cyclists Involved 442 434

* Stand 2009, ** Stand 2010