Athens, Greece – The Greek Ministry of Infrastructure is advancing a major initiative to significantly enhance public transportation across Athens, with a target completion year of 2026. This extensive plan aims to deliver a faster, more reliable, and sustainable travel experience for both residents and visitors to the capital.
Bus Services and Fleet Expansion
Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Konstantinos Kyranakis confirmed that bus services and staffing levels have already seen increases since 2025. A new recruitment drive for 300 additional drivers is currently underway to further bolster operational capacity. The ministry is also committed to modernizing the public transport fleet, with nearly 2,000 new buses anticipated by March 2026 and over 3,500 by 2027. A particular emphasis is being placed on the 15 busiest bus routes, where service frequency will be increased during peak hours to better accommodate the high demand from daily commuters and tourists alike.
Metro Network Enhancements and Expansion
The upgrades extend to Athens’ fixed-track transport system. The ministry announced that the planned metro extension to Glyfada is scheduled to enter its study phase in early 2026. This development is considered crucial for serving the broader Elliniko area, which is poised to become home to one of Europe’s largest new urban projects. Concurrently, the existing metro network is undergoing a comprehensive modernization, including the complete replacement of 32,000 kilometers of rail. This significant undertaking is expected to enhance safety across the network and improve travel speeds for passengers.
Major Road and Rail Infrastructure Projects
Several substantial road and rail projects are also progressing. These include the construction of the Skaramagkas triple interchange, the completion of the Ilioupoli tunnel, and critical upgrades to the Athens-Thessaloniki railway line. The latter will facilitate new suburban connections to areas such as Livadia, expanding the reach of public transport. Furthermore, for the first time, a dedicated rail link between Elefsina and Thiva is being designed. This new connection aims to divert heavy truck traffic away from the heavily congested Kifisos corridor, promising to ease road congestion and improve environmental conditions in the area.
Strategic Investment for Tourism and Efficiency
According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, these projects represent a strategic investment in Athens, reinforcing its position as a premier tourism destination. With consistent progress on these initiatives, 2026 is anticipated to be a landmark year, marking the emergence of a more efficient and visitor-friendly capital. Ministry sources indicate that the collective impact of these upgrades will significantly improve the overall urban mobility landscape, benefiting both daily life for Athenians and the experience of international visitors.
Source: https://news.gtp.gr/2025/12/09/athens-public-transport-upgrades-set-to-improve-city-travel-in-2026/
