Aging Trains Strain Athens Network Amid Rising Ridership
Athens, March 1, 2026 – The Athens metro and electric railway system, a vital artery for over 800,000 daily commuters, is grappling with an increasingly challenging situation as its aging fleet struggles to keep pace with rising ridership. Passengers are reporting frequent delays, irregular train intervals, and overcrowded carriages, prompting concerns about the efficiency and reliability of public transport in the Greek capital.
Commuter Frustrations Highlight Service Deficiencies
Commuters regularly express their frustration with the current state of affairs. Stathis, a private employee, noted, “On weekend mornings and middays on Line 2 toward Syntagma I wait nine to 12 minutes. On Line 3 at peak it comes every four minutes. The wait may not be long, but because many people gather, trains should be more frequent. The trains fill up.” Nancy, another daily rider, added, “Some days there are long delays. Compared to last year I’ve seen a difference in frequency. The biggest problem is on the green line.”
Operator STASY Acknowledges Challenges But Cites High Service Rate
Operator STASY, responsible for the metro and electric railway, maintains that peak frequencies since 2023 remain at 4.5 minutes on Line 2 and four minutes on Line 3, barring technical faults. Senior officials within STASY stated, “We achieve 99% of daily services… We also monitor the regularity of train intervals… This does not satisfy us.” This acknowledgment underscores the internal recognition of the service quality issues, even with a high operational rate.
Fleet Modernization Efforts Underway, But Progress is Slow
Currently, 56 out of 66 trains on Lines 2 and 3 are operational, a notable increase from 40 in 2019. This includes four older French first-generation sets that lack air conditioning. Sixteen previously sidelined trains have been returned to service, and a contract with Alstom covers the return of five additional trains. The company’s stated goal is to “cut headways by half a minute,” emphasizing that the procurement of new trains is crucial for achieving this objective.
Ridership Surges While Servicing Declines
Despite efforts to increase the operational fleet, the data reveals a growing disparity between ridership and service capacity. In 2024, boardings exceeded 170 million, up from 158.6 million in 2023. Concurrently, servicing fell to 254,166 from 270,758, indicating a decline in the overall service provided per passenger. A tender for 15 new trains, which could significantly alleviate the strain, has yet to be launched.
Line 1 Faces Persistent Issues with Outdated Trains
Line 1, in particular, is plagued by trains dating back to the 1980s and 1990s, which suffer frequent breakdowns. These issues are exacerbated by staff shortages. Spain’s CAF is currently upgrading 14 sets, with the first upgraded train expected to be operational by July. Further refurbishments and reactivations are also in progress to modernize this critical line.
Long-Term Solutions and Future Outlook
The challenges facing Athens’ public transport highlight the urgent need for comprehensive modernization and expansion of the rail network. While immediate measures are being taken to bring sidelined trains back into service and upgrade existing ones, the long-term solution lies in the procurement of new, modern trains and a sustained investment in infrastructure. The ability of Athens to maintain and improve its public transport system will be crucial for its continued urban development and the daily lives of its citizens.
