Viennese of the week

Grateful public transport passenger: “She saved my life”

Viona Power thanks Isabella Fischer (right) for her help.(Bild: Reinhard Holl)

A Wiener Linien employee came to the aid of a completely desperate customer who had previously been robbed. A story of great compassion.

I wanted to throw myself in front of the train, I was totally desperate," says Viona Power. The fact that she didn't do it after all is thanks to Isabella Fischer, a public transport employee with a big heart - our Viennese of the week.

What happened? Viona Power is a pensioner and in personal bankruptcy. Every cent is doubly important to her. By taking part in a vaccination study, the Hernals resident receives some cash. With the 300 euros in her pocket, she sets off for Westbahnhof to buy an annual public transport pass.

When she gets to the ticket counter, she is in for a shock: the wallet is gone, presumably stolen on the subway. The 63-year-old bursts into tears, completely devastated. Isabella Fischer comes out from behind her sales desk and reassures the pensioner with words of comfort. Then she gives her money so that the robbed woman can take the photo for the season ticket and asks if she has enough food left in the fridge.

"I felt so sorry for the woman. I could understand what she must be going through," says the 50-year-old, who has worked for Wiener Linien for nine years.

Power explains: "Ms. Fischer saved my life. I've never experienced anyone being so kind and helpful to a stranger." And she can now pay off her annual pass in installments.