Konstantinos Kyranakis announced on Wednesday morning (27/8) the gradual phase-out of trolley buses, stating among other things that this will happen in two phases, while making it clear that all employees working on them will be absorbed into OSY (Athens Urban Transport Organization).
Kyranakis: Why trolley buses are being gradually phased out and what will happen to their employees
The deputy transport minister speaking on SKAI television initially mentioned that the first phase will include the removal of cables and poles in Athens and Piraeus, and the second phase will include the purchase of new electric buses to replace them.
As he characteristically stated: “The cost of trolley buses compared to electric buses is double”, while adding that the 100 newest trolley buses will remain for a period on major roads with straight routes, such as Syngrou and Kifisias avenues, where services will also be increased.
24-hour Metro operation every Saturday
Regarding the Metro, he announced that “from September 13, 24-hour Metro operation begins every Saturday”. Also, 24-hour operation on Saturdays will apply to some bus routes during the busiest months, and also for the tram.
As the deputy transport minister said: “I thank the employees, who will also receive financial compensation for night services”.
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“We will no longer have blind trains“
Konstantinos Kyranakis also emphasized that the ministry’s goal is to have a double track with all safety systems installed for the Athens-Thessaloniki rail connection by August 2026. He mentioned that: “The works in Thessaly are proceeding normally and in 11 months the section affected by storm Daniel will be operating normally”.
Furthermore, he also spoke about the steps for the new OSE, emphasizing that the first priority is safety. At the end of July, the new precise geo-location system was installed. “We will no longer have blind trains so we don’t relive the Tempe tragedy” he emphasized, while also stressing the human factor.
Additionally, he noted that “behind every system there is also a human being”, while as he mentioned, a safe braking system was installed on trains, emphasizing that: “New crossings with barriers are coming, while many level crossings will be converted to grade-separated ones”.
Increased inspections
When asked if OSE employees will be dismissed, he replied that employees who were not at crossings have already been dismissed, both from OSE and contractor companies. Meanwhile, regarding the new highway code, Konstantinos Kyranakis mentioned that inspections have increased. As he said: “All summer we had a very large campaign for helmets”, adding “the results of which will be shown in the near future”.
Regarding a possible increase in ticket prices, the deputy minister said it is not in the government’s intentions, while announcing increased inspections for fare evasion.
“Tsipras will form a party”
Finally, Konstantinos Kyranakis also referred to Alexis Tsipras, estimating that he will eventually form a party. He even commented that: “It will be a good opportunity to compete again”. Regarding a possible change in electoral law, he noted that the prime minister himself has denied it.
