Athens and Thessaloniki to Welcome 250 Electric Buses, Says Transport Ministry

Photo source: Greek Transport Ministry

As part of plans to renew bus fleet in Athens and Thessaloniki, Greek Infrastructure & Transport Minister Christos Staikouras confirmed  the approval of 250 electric buses expected to hit the streets in 2024.

In this direction, the Court of Auditors approved the finalization of the concession contract concerning the supply and management for a period of one year of the first 250 electric buses for the cities of Athens and Thessaloniki out of a total of 1,300 in the pipeline.

Staikouras said the renewal of public transport fleet was a ministry priority aimed at of improving the quality of services provided to citizens adding that it was an important “first step”.

“We expect the first new electric buses in the beginning of 2024,” he said, adding that the next tender for an additional 400 buses was in the pipeline with a second procurement phase being prepared for an additional 650 buses.

Greek Infrastructure & Transport Minister Christos Staikouras

“All new vehicles will have anti-pollution technology in order to limit the environmental impact,” he said.

The bus fleet upgrade is one of 10 priorities announced by Staikouras expected to improve the standard of transportation services offered to residents and visitors.

Other priorities listed by the minister and expected to significantly contribute to an overall improved local and tourist experience is the completion of the Thessaloniki Metro to handle more than 300,000 commuters daily, the upgrade of main national roadways, Line 4 of the Athens Metro and train system modernization with an emphasis on safety.