Tour Buses Seek E.U. Help On KTEL Bus Monopoly

Greek tour bus owners recently filed a complaint to the European Commission against the monopoly of the KTEL intercity buses and accused the ministries of transport and tourism for overprotecting the KTEL bus profession.

Last November, the tour bus profession was liberalized so licenses would be easier obtained.

Meanwhile the KTEL intercity buses continued to remain a “closed profession” by Law 3534/2007 that extends their monopoly until 2019.

The tour bus owners are pressuring for the KTEL bus monopoly on long distance bus lines to be lifted before 2019.

The main arguments of the tour bus drivers are in regards to the systematic intrusion of KTEL buses on their turf and the “theft” of their routes.

The E.C. has requested explanations from Greek authorities in regards to tax exemptions KTEL buses receive.

Meanwhile, in mid-February, Greece’s creditors gave the Greek Government two weeks to implement budget cuts and structural reforms (including the immediate liberalization of 25 closed professions) before the final approval of the bailout plan. The list of 25 professions to be liberalized included the KTEL bus driver profession.