Athens, February 11 – Approximately 1,000 buses and trolleys that serve thousands of passengers daily in Athens have been left unwashed for two weeks, prompting concerns about public health. Many commuters and officials are referring to the vehicles as “health bombs” due to the prolonged lack of cleaning.
Recurring Problem Plagues Athens Urban Transport
This situation is not new, as the cleanliness of public transport vehicles has been a persistent issue for several months. The primary cause is attributed to the Athens Urban Transport Organization (OSY)’s reliance on short-term cleaning contracts, often lasting only one or two months. These short-term agreements, coupled with a stalled two-year international tender plagued by appeals, create significant gaps in cleaning services. When contracts expire, periods ranging from five days to three weeks can occur without any cleaning crews.
OSY Acknowledges Issue, Promises Resolution
The OSY has acknowledged the problem and stated that it expects the issue to be resolved by the end of the current week or early next week. This comes after union members filed a legal complaint in March 2025, highlighting the unacceptable conduct of tenders for the umpteenth time in recent years.
Tender Delays and Appeals
The OSY has explained that a critical two-year international tender for cleaning services remains incomplete due to repeated appeals from various parties. In the interim, the organization has been forced to rely on the aforementioned short-term contracts to maintain some level of service. Furthermore, a nine-month international tender, which was launched in November 2024, is currently awaiting approval from the Court of Audit before it can proceed.
Impact on Public Health and Commuters
The lack of regular cleaning in such high-traffic public spaces raises significant public health concerns. With thousands of individuals using these buses and trolleys daily, the accumulation of dirt, germs, and potential pathogens could pose a risk to passengers. Commuters have expressed their frustration and discomfort with the current state of the vehicles, emphasizing the need for a reliable and consistent cleaning schedule.
Broader Context of Transport Issues in Athens
This cleaning crisis is not an isolated incident within Athens’ transport system. Recent reports have also highlighted other challenges, including issues with old trains on Line 1, delays in the Athens Riviera bike lane project until 2027, and ongoing concerns about scooter use and parking regulations. These interconnected problems suggest a broader need for systemic improvements and more efficient management within the city’s public transport infrastructure.
Future Outlook and Potential Solutions
While the OSY has promised an immediate resolution to the current cleaning backlog, the long-term solution lies in successfully completing the international tenders and establishing stable, continuous cleaning services. The outcome of the nine-month international tender, once approved by the Court of Audit, will be crucial in addressing the recurring gaps. Effective management of the tendering process and a proactive approach to potential appeals will be essential to prevent similar situations from arising in the future and ensuring a clean and safe environment for Athens’ public transport users.
