As Deputy Minister Konstantinos Kyranakis emphasized, the Ministry of Transport is proceeding with a series of initiatives that mark a new era for the country’s railway and urban transport systems. The plan includes upgrading OSE (Greek railway organization) by implementing a more flexible institutional framework and removing permanent employment status for workers, enabling daily real-time performance evaluation.
Konstantinos Kyranakis, in statements to ERT, referred to the broad spectrum of upcoming changes, which aim to improve safety, efficiency and technological renewal of transport systems.
He also stressed that the new OSE 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.
At the same time, work is progressing with the completion of automatic braking system installation on 100 trains, while tests have been conducted on various types of engines.
New OSE: Train driver training and precision tracking system
Soon, training of train drivers will begin for the full operation of the system, which will prevent signal violations and potential collisions.
Additionally, a precision tracking system has been installed across the entire network, with accuracy below 5 centimeters, while psychometric tests are planned for employees with safety duties, in cooperation with the General Staff, to enhance security.
Regarding urban transport, from September 13, 24-hour metro operation every Saturday is being implemented, accompanied by enhanced bus and tram services, aiming for safer transportation for young people and workers during evening hours.
Meanwhile, controls for drunk driving are being intensified, with new checkpoints and stricter penalties in the Highway Code.
By Christmas, digital cameras will be gradually installed on main road axes, recording violations such as excessive speed, not wearing seatbelts or mobile phone use while driving. These violations will be sent electronically to drivers through the gov.gr platform, promoting road safety and compliance with regulations.
