Thessaloniki Set for Public Transport Overhaul this November

Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, Nikos Tachiaos. Photo source: Transport Ministry

Working on three fronts, the Greek government will be transforming the transportation network in Thessaloniki, Northern Greece, starting this November, according to Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation Nikos Tachiaos.

Speaking recently in Parliament, Tachiaos described the upcoming changes in urban transportation as a “revolution”. Thessaloniki will see the introduction of 110 new electric buses, which are already beginning to operate, offering residents a preview of the forthcoming improvements.

In response to a question posed by New Democracy Party parliamentarian Stratos Simopoulos, Tachiaos detailed that the government’s efforts to enhance transportation services in Thessaloniki will focus on the metro system, the city’s public bus routes, and the reorganization of the Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organization (OASTH).

Thessaloniki metro to operate from late November

An impression of the new metro station in Thessaloniki.

With direct connections to buses, Thessaloniki’s metro is set to open to the public in November 2024. Efforts are underway to ensure that all public transport organizations and companies in Thessaloniki harmonize their operations. The completion of construction at the New Helvetia station, along with the New Railway terminal, will facilitate the overall reorganization of public transport in the city.

Redrawing of the city bus routes 

Photo source: Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organization

Tachiaos highlighted that city bus lines will be reorganized to work in conjunction with the metro, ensuring better service for passengers. The Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organization (OASTH) has put its bus line reorganization plan up for public consultation until the end of September, which will finalize the new transportation map. The updated plan, undertaken by OASTH (the Transport Authority of Thessaloniki), focuses on removing several bus lines from the city center, which will be served by the metro in the future. It also involves relocating certain bus line terminals to facilitate seamless operation between the two modes of transport. New bus routes are being developed to connect city suburbs with metro stations. The ultimate goal is to reduce bus traffic in the city center and around metro stations.

Draft law for reorganization of OASTH in the fall

Photo source: Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organization

Tachiaos then outlined the ministry’s goals for reorganizing the Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organization (OASTH). The new urban transportation model aims to address not only the chronic issues within OASTH but also to fully upgrade the city’s transportation system. The ministry also plans to dissolve OASTH, a move that has been pending since 2017, when the organization was nationalized. The plan is to establish a new, efficient, and forward-looking organization to address operational shortcomings and outstanding debts. The Greek government intends for this new entity to operate in accordance with EU regulations and to align with sustainable urban transportation frameworks. The draft bill for the reorganization of OASTH is expected to be submitted to Parliament in the fall by Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Staikouras.

Moreover, Tachiaos added that, like in Athens, all public transportation in Thessaloniki will use the same ticketing system, with the necessary new technologies already implemented.