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Vienna's Public Transport Etiquette Campaign Sparks Accusations of Racism

A push for quieter trains turns ugly. Activists say Vienna's new rules unfairly target marginalized groups—while officials defend 'mutual respect.' Who's right?

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The image shows a group of people walking down a street, holding a banner with text and images on...
The image shows a group of people walking down a street, holding a banner with text and images on it. On the left side of the image, there is a car parked on the road. In the background, there are buildings, trees, sign boards, poles, a clock tower, and a clear blue sky. The people are wearing masks, suggesting that they are participating in a protest against racism.

Vienna's Public Transport Etiquette Campaign Sparks Accusations of Racism

Vienna's public transport operator, Wiener Linien, has launched a new campaign urging passengers to show more courtesy while travelling. Titled Host kan Genierer?!, the initiative highlights behaviours like loud phone calls and strong-smelling food. However, the NGO Black Voices Austria has strongly criticised the campaign, labelling it racist and discriminatory.

The campaign officially began on March 5, 2026, following a survey where 86% of respondents reported being annoyed by loud phone calls or videos played without headphones. An even higher percentage—92%—believed such behaviours should be avoided on public transport. Transport Councilor Ulli Sima of the SPÖ defended the initiative, stating that shared spaces require clear rules and mutual respect.

Posters for the campaign feature exaggerated images, such as an oversized smartphone or a giant Leberkäsemmel, with the slogan: *No big deal for you, pure torture for others.* Yet, Black Voices Austria argues that the campaign unfairly targets marginalised groups. In a published list, *5 Reasons Why the Wiener Linien Campaign Is Racist*, the organisation claims the initiative encourages confrontation with Black, Muslim, and people of colour in public spaces. The NGO also points to racist comments under Wiener Linien's social media posts as evidence of the campaign's harmful effects. Additionally, they argue that existing bans on 'strong-smelling foods' are rooted in racist stereotypes, further reinforcing discrimination.

The campaign has sparked a debate over whether efforts to improve public transport etiquette risk reinforcing racial biases. Black Voices Austria continues to call for a reassessment of the initiative's messaging. Meanwhile, Wiener Linien has not yet responded to the criticism directly.

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