Thessaloniki’s New ‘ThessTicket’ and ‘ThessCard’ to Cover Both Bus and Metro Services

Greek Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Christos Staikouras.

Efforts to redesign Thessaloniki’s transportation network, including the introduction of a new ticketing system, were commended by Greek Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Christos Staikouras during his visit to Thessaloniki on Tuesday.

Speaking during a conference held by the Transport Authority of Thessaloniki S.A. (OSETH), Staikouras emphasized the importance of integrating the metro system with existing bus lines to optimize public transportation both in the city center and suburbs.

Thessaloniki is set to launch its much-anticipated metro system on November 30 of this year, as recently announced by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

In addition, the Greek Ministry of Transport plans to introduce new green buses to Thessaloniki’s fleet.

New single ticketing system

OSETH is also preparing to update the public bus route map and has unveiled a new single ticketing system designed to enhance the city’s public transportation network.

During Tuesday’s conference, OSETH Operations Manager Katerina Tsavala introduced the new ticketing system, which will be valid for both Thessaloniki’s buses and metro line.

According to Tsavala, the “ThessTicket” and “Thesscard” will be available starting November 30 coinciding with the operational launch of the Thessaloniki Metro.

Tsavala revealed that the plastic card will be blue, while the paper ticket will be white and can be recharged up to six times. Ticket machines, set to be installed in metro stations, the airport, and key bus hubs, will accept coins, paper money, and bank card payments. Additionally, a mobile payment application is being developed for added convenience.

OSETH is developing policies to ensure that the ThessTicket and ThessCard can be used for consecutive trips within a 70-minute window.

Photo source: Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organisation (OASTH)

Additionally, OSETH will offer a range of ticket options, including the two-way ticket, the 10 + 1 special ticket for the airport, the express bus line ticket, the daily ticket, the three-day tourist ticket, the unlimited travel card, and various other cards for students and people with disabilities.

Tsavala also announced that a public information campaign will soon be launched to educate passengers on purchasing and using tickets within Thessaloniki’s public transportation system.

Photo source: Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organisation (OASTH)

OSETH Associate Transport Planner Samuel Salem indicated that 39 city and suburban bus lines will be impacted by the metro’s operation, while 38 lines will remain unaffected. “We anticipate that the Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organisation (OASTH) will serve as the primary connector to the metro, primarily through city routes serviced by green vehicles,” he said.

According to the Greek Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport, as the Thessaloniki Metro is expected to expand in the near future, the transformation of the city’s public transport map will continue.