Survey Reveals What Greeks Think About their Transportation Options

The Hellenic Institute of Transport (HIT) – Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH) recently released a study that identifies the need for improved public transportation in Greece.

The study, conducted in cooperation with fyi.news and Uber, acknowledges that taxis play a crucial role in the mobility of people, particularly in the cities of Athens and Thessaloniki, where the survey was carried out.

According to the HIT-CERTH survey, while taxis may not be the primary mode of transport for daily commutes, they are essential for specific trips to strategic locations in the two Greek cities. For example, in Thessaloniki, 27 percent of passengers rely on taxis for trips to and from the airport and the city’s railway station. In Athens, 6 percent choose taxi services to access various central stations.

Ride-sharing apps in demand

The study’s data also indicated a strong preference among residents of both cities for ride-sharing apps. In Thessaloniki, 27 percent of respondents and 39 percent in Athens indicated they rely on these apps for comfort and practicality. Comfort received a rating of 3.8 in Thessaloniki and 3.5 in Athens, out of a maximum of 5. Usability ratings were 3.8 and 3.6, respectively.

Pricing and accessibility ratings

Conversely, the cost of transportation services and accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations received lower ratings, highlighting the need for improvement. Regarding pricing transparency, 52 percent of respondents in Thessaloniki and 51 percent in Athens expressed strong support for clear pricing per ride. Additionally, 40 percent in Thessaloniki and 49 percent in Athens supported flexible pricing based on demand.

Public transport and Integrated transportation networks

Photo source: Elliniko Metro

According to the survey, public transport is generally rated low, highlighting the potential for improvement. The research emphasizes the importance of collaboration between taxis and ride-sharing services to create a more integrated urban mobility network that works synergistically with other modes of transport.

HIT-CERTH advocates for new, unified planning of transportation synergies and collaboration among transport entities.

“The results of the research demonstrate the need for mass transportation in Athens and Thessaloniki to provide high-quality services to passengers,” says researchers of HIT-CERTH. “At the same time, it should be operable within a unified sustainable mobility framework, allowing users to easily and quickly combine buses, subways, trams, public transport, and taxis based on their needs and travel purposes. This requires new integrated planning and cooperation among providers and transport project operators.”

As a sponsor of the study, Uber expressed its commitment to contributing positively in areas where it operates, aiming to develop solutions that benefit residents and passengers.