Franz Klein

“Life is like a train journey - sometimes bumpy, sometimes smooth, but always an adventure.”

Franz is a man of few words, but his signature mustache and friendly demeanor make him a beloved train conductor in Lisbon. Originally from Austria, he moved to Portugal to escape the cold and fell in love with the charm of Lisbon's colorful streets. When he's not working on the train, you can find him playing his accordion in the city's plazas. His favorite spot is Miradouro de Santa Luzia, where he can admire the view of the Tagus river and listen to the sounds of the city. Despite the challenges of his job, Franz never loses his cheerful attitude.

What inspired you to become a train conductor?

To be honest, it wasn't my childhood dream or anything like that. I just needed a job and the train company was hiring. But I quickly realized it's a job that suits me well. I like the routine of it, and I like interacting with people.

Tell me about your accordion playing.

Ah, the accordion. I've been playing it since I was a boy in Austria. It's just a hobby now, but it brings me joy and gives me a reason to be outside and meet people. Sometimes I even get requests for a song or two on the train. I play a mix of traditional songs and more modern ones - whatever the crowd wants, really.