A pneumatic system for operating a drive for a windshield wiper for a rail vehicle, wherein the windshield wiper drive has a piston guide device that has a first connection and a second connection opposite the first connection. At least one piston in the piston guide device carries out linear movements in opposite directions along the main direction of extension of the piston guide device to bring about an alternating rotational movement of the wiper shaft. The pneumatic system has a supply connection for a compressed air supply, wherein the supply connection is connected to the first connection via a first normal operation connection line and a first emergency operation connection line arranged parallel thereto and to the second connection via a second normal operation connection line and a second emergency operation connection line arranged parallel thereto.