The Austrian Hollywood star is in town for the annual conference he organizes on climate change.
“This is your Chief Mobility Officer Arnold Schwarzenegger speaking,” was the message that surprised public transport users in Vienna from the Terminator star and former governor of California. He also called them “climate action heroes”.

The Austrian Hollywood star is in town for the annual conference he organizes on climate change.

“Thank you for your commitment to a healthy planet,” he said.

His message is broadcast every 30 minutes on the intercom system of all public transport vehicles, according to the network operator Wiener Linien.

“You are all true heroes in the fight against climate change, helping to unite us in action and put an end to pollution,” Schwarzenegger added.

The 77-year-old star launched the summit in his native Austria eight years ago to highlight the challenges of climate change.

In his speech at the opening on June 3, Schwarzenegger, who is an outspoken critic of US President Donald Trump, refrained from criticism, calling for “actions that improve people's lives.”

“I know that people are sick and tired of whining, complaining and pessimism. They want heroes... We have to win people over,” he said.

This year's meeting is attended by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Austrian Chancellor Christian Scholz, and Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen.

According to Wiener Linien, around 2.4 million people use the city's public transport every day. The Austrian capital has a population of around 2 million. | BGNES