Athens and Thessaloniki seek new visual identity for urban buses
Athens and Thessaloniki are embarking on a unique initiative to refresh the visual identity of their urban buses. The Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA) and the Thessaloniki Public Transport Authority (OSETH), in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, have launched two parallel open design competitions. This marks the first time citizens are actively invited to contribute to shaping a contemporary aesthetic for public transport in Greece’s two largest cities.
A nationwide call for creativity
The initiative is part of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport’s broader strategy to upgrade public urban transport and promote sustainable mobility, while highlighting the vital role of public transport in daily life. The competitions are open to a wide range of participants, including designers, graphic artists, artists, students from art and design schools, advertising/creative agencies, and amateur creators. Professional status is not required; only creativity and adherence to technical specifications are necessary, according to an official ministry announcement.
“Design Athens’ Buses” – The Athens Competition
In Athens, OASA has announced the “Design Athens’ Buses!” competition, inviting designers, artists, students, creative agencies, and amateurs to submit proposals for the new visual image of the bus fleet. Submissions are accepted exclusively through the dedicated digital platform https://contest.oasa.gr/ until May 20, 2026.
The evaluation process will involve two stages: initially, a special committee will select five finalists, whose designs will be piloted on buses. Subsequently, citizens will determine the winners through a public vote, fostering community involvement in the final decision.
“The Bus as YOU like it” – The Thessaloniki Competition
Similarly, in Thessaloniki, OSETH is running the “The Bus as YOU like it” competition, aiming to establish a unified, modern, and recognizable identity for the city’s urban buses. Participants are encouraged to submit comprehensive proposals that include an artistic concept description, applications across various bus types (articulated and 12-meter buses), and a specific design approach for zero-emission vehicles.
The selection process in Thessaloniki also follows a two-stage approach, with committee evaluation and a final selection through open public voting, enhancing public participation in shaping the ultimate image. Proposals can be submitted until May 21, 2026, via OSETH’s dedicated digital platform https://contest.oseth.com.gr/.
€10,000 Prize for the Winners
In both competitions, monetary prizes are offered for the best proposals. The first-place prize amounts to €10,000, and the winning designs will form the basis for the new unified image of both fleets. This common initiative in Athens and Thessaloniki aims to enhance extroversion and public participation in the design of public transport. Buses are envisioned to take on a new role, not only as a means of transportation but also as carriers of aesthetics and a modern urban experience, significantly contributing to improving citizens’ daily lives.
Minister Kyranakis: A New Era for Public Transport
According to Deputy Minister of Transport Konstantinos Kyranakis, “For the first time, we are giving citizens the opportunity to contribute to changing the image of public transport in the country’s two largest cities, which will acquire a unified and modern visual identity.”
He added, “This initiative is part of the overall plan being implemented for more buses, more drivers, and clear bus lanes. Our goal is the overall upgrade of urban transport. Not only at an operational level but also as part of citizens’ daily experience. With more extroversion and the contribution of citizens, we are shaping a new image for public transport.”
Source: APE MBE
