Austrian Railways cuts graffiti costs by half despite rising vandalism incidents

Austrian Railways (ÖBB) has reported a drop in graffiti-related cleaning costs and affected areas, despite a slight rise in incidents. The company spent €2.2 million on removals in 2025, down from €4.5 million the previous year. At the same time, officials have warned of the serious risks posed by illegal graffiti on trains and tracks.

In 2025, the total area needing graffiti removal on ÖBB trains fell by around 28%, shrinking to 37,701 square metres. Yet the number of recorded cases climbed from 2,710 in 2024 to 2,859 in 2025. The railway operator stressed that each incident is documented and reported, as graffiti damages public property funded by taxpayers.

ÖBB has highlighted the life-threatening dangers faced by vandals. Trespassing on tracks or near overhead lines—carrying 15,000 volts—can be fatal. The company also pointed out that graffiti can cover essential safety markings, which are vital in emergencies. When trains are tagged, they must be taken out of service for cleaning, causing delays and disruptions.

To combat the issue, ÖBB has tightened security. Measures include working with police, installing physical barriers, and expanding video surveillance. Trained security staff now patrol high-risk areas. These efforts helped identify 28 offenders in 2024, with a similarly high success rate in 2025.

The railway operator continues to urge artists to use legal spaces instead. By doing so, they avoid endangering themselves and others while preventing costly damage to trains and infrastructure.

The drop in cleaning costs and affected areas suggests some progress in tackling graffiti. However, the persistent number of incidents shows the challenge remains. ÖBB's combination of stricter security, legal warnings, and public appeals aims to reduce risks and protect railway operations.