The main axes of the Ministry of Transport’s plan to improve public transport were mentioned by the Deputy Minister of Transport, Konstantinos Kyranakis, speaking to Action 24, emphasising both the strengthening of public transport and the change of mindset in the sector.
New buses and more routes
“Our bus strategy is to densify the routes. To succeed, we need more vehicles, fewer breakdowns, more drivers and clean bus lanes,” he said.
Kyranakis claimed that significant progress has already been made, stressing that 1,076 new buses are already in Athens, and by June they will all be on the roads.
“Target 3,000 drivers”
Referring to transport staff, the deputy minister noted that there are currently about 2,700 bus drivers serving, with a target of 3,000 by the end of the year.
At the same time, he made a special reference to the new notice for 160 bus drivers, through which even citizens without a professional license are given the opportunity to be trained free of charge.
“Anyone up to 50 years of age can apply and be trained free of charge at the PSU driver school, provided they remain in the driver’s position for five years,”
he explained.
According to him, if someone leaves early, he will be required to cover the cost of the training.
“Change the mindset”
Kyranakis stressed that the new policy also aims to change the culture in the transport sector.
“One cannot be hired as a driver and then look for a way to move elsewhere. We want new employees to know that they are coming to serve the people who wait at the bus stop every day,” he said.
He said interest in the new notice is already high, with about 200 applications recorded in the first two days.
Investigations into corruption in the driving test
The deputy minister also referred to allegations of corruption in driving licence examinations.
“I don’t want any young person to experience the experience of being bribed to get a licence again,”
As announced, the ministry is activating a special complaint platform through which prospective drivers can even anonymously report incidents of corruption involving examiners or driving schools.
He also announced the installation of cameras inside the examination vehicles to ensure transparency of the process and protect examinees from possible extortion.
Objective: overall upgrade of public transport
In conclusion, Mr. Kyranakis argued that the strengthening of bus services, increased controls and the renewal of the fixed-route fleet will significantly change travel in Athens in the coming years.
He said that by 2027, the suburban railway will have new trains and better frequencies, while overall the transport network will operate with significantly improved services for passengers.
