The debate over the future of trolleybuses moved to Parliament, with Deputy Transport Minister Konstantinos Kyranakis defending the plan for their gradual phase-out.
Responding to a current question from New Left MP Nasos Iliopoulos, Kyranakis stated: “With lower costs we will have better infrastructure, better services, with more affordable routes, more frequent services, less waiting at stops, and cleaner buses.”
Nasos Iliopoulos criticized the absence of a strategic plan and lack of scientific studies, questioning the ministry’s data on the cost of new electric buses.
Kyranakis responds: “Trolleybus costs more than double”
Addressing the criticism, Kyranakis stated: “The numbers are unforgiving. For every kilometer covered by today’s trolleybus fleet, taxpayers pay approximately €5.5. For every kilometer covered by an electric bus, they pay approximately €2.5. So we’re talking about more than double the cost.”
The deputy minister clarified that the trolleybus phase-out will be gradual: “We haven’t said there will be complete removal of trolleybus lines. Those with remaining service life will stay for several years and continue on main routes like Syngrou, Kifisias, and Pireos.”
He explained that “from European program funding, for every two new-generation trolleybuses we can buy three electric buses, at lower cost to taxpayers.”
Kyranakis: “No jobs will be lost”
Kyranakis assured there would be no layoffs, noting that “all employees will be absorbed by OSY [Athens Urban Transport Organization], while there’s also an open call for hiring with increased salaries.”
Commenting on trade union reactions, the minister mentioned prior consultation, adding pointedly: “What certain unions tell me is exactly what I see in brochures from a specific vehicle manufacturer.”
He concluded: “With lower costs we will have better and cheaper infrastructure, better services, more and cleaner buses, and less waiting at stops.”
