Access to Athens Mass Transport with Smart Cards in 2017

Athens tram.

With the aim to ensure better rates and more effective services, the Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA) announced this week that it will begin to issue smart cards as of 2017 for commuters using buses, trolleys and trams and by summer for travel on the metro and electric railway (ISAP trains).

The personalised plastic smart card is set to replace tickets improving access and travel for passengers and providing a wider choice of fares depending on destination, distance and zone as well as passenger needs.

“We at OASA believe the new card will contribute to reducing fare evasion. Resources will also be saved by not issuing paper tickets, and it will allow for better transport planning on the basis of actual demand as well as improve the distribution of earnings among transport operators,” OASA President Tasos Tastanis told the Athens News Agency in an interview this week.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras was the first to “test” the new e-card during the 81st Thessaloniki Trade Fair this week where the news was announced.