Deputy Transport Minister Konstantinos Kyranakis outlined major changes to railways and public transport, discussing the upgrade of OSE and the implementation of new safety technologies, while also announcing the 24-hour metro operation every Saturday and the installation of “smart” cameras on roads. Speaking to ERT, Kyranakis emphasized that the new company has “the most flexible institutional framework in the public sector” and already 250 Greeks working in European railways have expressed interest in returning, offering expertise and a change in mentality.
Additionally, he noted that “the installation of automatic braking systems on 100 trains has been completed, while necessary tests have been conducted on six types of engines in the fleet. Driver training will begin soon so the system can become fully operational, preventing signal violations and train collisions.” He added that “a precise positioning system has been installed across the entire network, with accuracy below 5 centimeters.”
“The new organization is the first in the public sector where permanent employment is abolished. Workers will be evaluated in real-time, with strict penalties and dismissals for serious violations. Psychometric tests are also planned for those in safety positions, in cooperation with the General Staff,” said Konstantinos Kyranakis.
Konstantinos Kyranakis: 24-hour metro and digital road cameras
Regarding the introduction of 24-hour metro operation every Saturday, Konstantinos Kyranakis said: “From September 13, the metro will operate 24 hours every Saturday, accompanied by enhanced bus and tram services. The goal is safe transportation for young people during nighttime hours. At the same time, controls for drunk driving are being intensified, with new checkpoints and stricter penalties in the traffic code.”
“By Christmas, new cameras will be gradually installed on main roads, recording violations such as excessive speed, not wearing seatbelts, or using mobile phones while driving. Digital tickets will be issued and sent to citizens through the gov.gr platform,” he also stated.
