October Launch for Greek Public Transport Ticket Scanning Gate System

Monastiraki Station, Athens © Maria Theofanopoulou

Commuters in Athens will as of October have to run e-tickets, smart cards or purchased paper tickets by a barcode ticket scanner when traveling on the city’s public transport, Athens Urban Transport Organisation (OASA) announced on Wednesday.

Barcode ticket scanners complete with automatic flap gates have been installed at local urban rail, rapid transit and metro stations. According to OASA, the first personalized cards are expected to be issued to regular passengers next week. Holders will be able to use the cards on buses, trolley buses, the tram, metro and trains.

The bar code scanning system will gradually be put into effect at metro and train stations starting October 15. OASA management aims to increase revenue as well as facilitate the commuter experience via faster ticket checking. The company has not said how long parallel use of paper and e-tickets will be allowed.

In the meantime, in efforts to promote public transport usage and boost sales, OASA announced on Tuesday a “Buy-10-Get-One-Free” deal for its paper tickets valid for regular 1.40 euro and discounted 60 cent fares.