Chania KTEL Bus Station Apologizes For Driver’s Rude Behavior To Tourists

The local intercity bus station (KTEL) of Chania-Rethymno on Crete apologized to the public after an incident took place on Sunday, 25 August, involving a Greek bus driver and a family of Russian holidaymakers.

According to reports, a KTEL bus driver for the Kalivies-Chania route, in a rude tone, informed a Russian family that “only Greek children” were eligible for discounted bus tickets. Witnesses said he was highly “uncooperative .”

An exchange of words then followed between the bus driver and a Greek passenger, who later reported the incident.

The local intercity bus (KTEL) station of Chania-Rethymno has verified that ALL children under the age of five, regardless of nationality, travel for free.

The head of the local KTEL bus station in Chania, Vassilis Tsoupakis, apologized on behalf of the bus driver. He said that what happened on Sunday was an “isolated incident” and does not represent the Chania-Rethymno KTEL bus service in any way. Mr. Tsoupakis assured that there would be a follow up on the complaint.

Prior to this summer season, efforts had been made to improve the KTEL bus services for passengers.

In March, conduct and communication seminars were held for ticket conductors and drivers aiming to improve customer service. English lessons were also given so the drivers could communicate easily with tourists.