Deputy Minister of Transport Konstantinos Kyranakis talks about the overall upgrade of urban transport in the capital region in an interview with APE-MPE. As he underlines, there are already 1,076 new buses in Athens, that is, more than 2/3 of the active fleet has been renewed, while by 2028 the active fleet will exceed 2,000 vehicles, of which 1,700 will be new.

For the Metro, Kyranakis notes that the goal is clear: more available trains and shorter waits during peak hours. He says that on line 1, the complete reconstruction of 14 trains is underway with the possibility of extending it for another 10, stressing that “the reconstruction is being carried out in Greece, creating know-how and domestic added value” and adds: “At the same time, for lines 2 and 3, the supply of 19 new generation trains is proceeding, of which 7 are airport trains. Currently 52 are in operation and the aim is to reach 60 by 2027. At the same time, older trains are being upgraded with new technological systems and modern air conditioning.”

The following is the full interview with Deputy Transport Minister Konstantinos Kyranakis to APE-MPE:

You have spoken of a total change in Athens’ urban transport, with a new fleet, more routes and significant investments in Metro and buses. But when will the citizen be able to say that “public transport in Athens has really changed”

The biggest overhaul of public urban transport in decades is currently underway. There are already 1,076 new buses in operation in Athens, which means that more than two-thirds of the active fleet has been renewed. By 2028 the active fleet will exceed 2,000 vehicles, of which 1,700 will be new.

This is already translating into more available vehicles and better journey times on the busiest routes. On the 15 model lines, which serve almost 40% of the validations of the transport network, the average waiting time has been reduced from 20 to 12 minutes. For example, the 550 line has gone from 18 minutes to 11 minutes, while the target is 8 minutes. Similarly, the 608 line has gone from 13 minutes to 8 minutes. That’s the real change for the rider.

Our goal is specific: more buses in service, clean bus lanes, and a gradual approach to 10-minute waits on core trunk lines.

But the real improvement doesn’t just depend on new vehicles. We need more drivers, better operational management and free bus lanes.

That’s why we’re increasing the number of drivers towards our target of 4,000, with new hires and a first-time driver school for OSS. At the same time, a digital system for controlling bus lanes is now being implemented, with calls being sent via gov.gr.

You have unveiled the first fully rebuilt Line 1 train. When do you expect to see the rest of the new trains and when do you expect to see them on the network and at the same time you are running new trains for Metro. When will passengers see a substantial difference in waits and frequency of service?

Our goal is clear: more available trains and shorter waits during rush hour.

On Line 1, the complete reconstruction of 14 trains is progressing with the possibility of extending for another 10. The reconstruction is being carried out in Greece, creating know-how and domestic added value.

At the same time, the supply of 19 new generation trains, including 7 airport trains, is proceeding for lines 2 and 3. Currently 52 are in operation and the aim is to reach 60 by 2027. At the same time, older trains are being upgraded with new technological systems and modern air conditioning.

Projects are also underway to replace rails, upgrade the signalling system and maintain the network. Interventions that will allow us to gradually reduce frequencies on line 1 to 5 minutes and 3.5 minutes on line 3.

You talk about digital transformation and digital tools in urban transport. How much can technology change the day-to-day operation of the network? For example, report.oasa.gr now gives real-time insight into network problems. What has been revealed through this data that the Yministry may not have known until today

For the first time, public transport is operating with real-time data rather than delayed reports. We are moving to a real-time operating model with the help of artificial intelligence.

Through the report.oasa.gr platform we can now see detailed real-time data on delays, vehicle availability, passenger complaints, time delays and network problems. Since the launch of the platform, more than 21,000 citizen reports have already been recorded, with a downward trend.

Harnessing artificial intelligence allows us to more quickly identify glitches and intervene immediately. The same is the case with bus lanes, where there is now digital surveillance and automatic confirmation of violations.

At the same time, services such as tap & pay and the ATHENA Card in the digital wallet of the mobile phone significantly simplify the daily experience of the passenger.

For many years people with disabilities have faced severe difficulties in their daily travel and public transport is also judged by how accessible it is for all. What has changed in public transport for people with disabilities?

Accessibility cannot be treated as a complementary policy. It is an essential element of a modern public transport system. That is why we have strengthened the special fleet of disabled service vehicles of OSPF from 3 to 10 vehicles, significantly increasing the capacity to cover citizens with mobility and sensory disabilities. Until now, the three vehicles have served more than 3,000 people per year and now the coverage capacity is significantly increased.

At the same time, the link between the Disability Card and the electronic ticket significantly reduces bureaucracy and facilitates daily commuting.

Our goal is very specific: to gradually make public transport more accessible, more functional and more humane for all citizens.

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You are talking about a comprehensive upgrade of Athens’ urban transport, with new buses, new trains and improved timetables. But there is another public means of transport within the urban fabric that serves thousands of citizens every day and has been left behind for years: the suburban train. What is the plan to substantially upgrade it and when will the passenger experience begin to change with the new trains that are expected to arrive?

Suburban rail is a critical part of daily travel in Attica and indeed for years it has lagged behind, both in terms of fleet and reliability. For the first time, however, there is now a specific investment plan and a binding timetable with new rolling stock. The agreement with Hellenic Train stipulates that of the 23 new electric trains, 11 will be of suburban type.

The delivery of the new trains will begin gradually from 2027, aiming for more reliable services, fewer breakdowns and better service for thousands of workers, students and families who use the Suburban Railway every day.