7 milestones until the new Thessaloniki Metro goes fully operational

Seven milestones will be needed by November for the Thessaloniki Metro to reach its much-anticipated operation. Today, 18 years have passed since the signing of the construction contract for the Metro’s main line, and after so many episodes, we are finally reaching the end of this adventurous journey.

Today, according to the statements made, we are in the countdown, which is estimated to last 5 months, until the end of November, with a series of “boxes” that need to be checked. This will allow the main line and its 13 constructed stations to operate, putting an end to the long wait for the people of Thessaloniki and the city’s visitors.

On this path, all parties involved must work cooperatively to complete the final tasks. First in line is the construction consortium. AKTOR-WEBUILD-HITACHI are engaged in feverish work, focusing not on civil engineering but primarily on systems.

The Hellenic Metro is overseeing the project as the contracting authority, responsible for supervising, approving, guiding, and evaluating. Additionally, as the responsible ministry, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport ensures the project proceeds smoothly towards its completion.

A new party involved is THEMA, the Italian-French company that has undertaken the operation and maintenance of the system. Together with the construction consortium, it is essentially a participant in the effort, as it needs to become familiar with the entire process since it will be taking over this brand-new metro system.

The most important accompanying project of the Metro’s main line is expected to be signed in the coming days. This concerns the creation of the transfer station at the terminal station NEA ELVETIA.

The seven milestones

What are the most important milestones, and in what chronological order will they occur? Let’s go through them one by one.

One of the most significant milestones is the completion of the archaeological conservation and highlighting of antiquities at the Venizelos station. After many years of challenges, this particular station has been developed—like the Agia Sofia station—into a museum station that brings to light the ancient history of Thessaloniki.

The second milestone is the completion of tests for all systems, stations, tunnels, and the operation of the trains (software and hardware). For example, on a daily basis, the simultaneous opening of the train doors and the platform screen doors is repeatedly tested. This is done at all stations and in both directions. This exercise is carried out for all systems that contribute to the operation of the Thessaloniki Metro.

THEMA, which is essentially participating in this process, must also be knowledgeable about the systems. For this important milestone to be completed, all of this must reach the highest level of success.

The third milestone is the certification of this new Metro system, the second for the country after Athens. According to sources at ypodomes.com, for every test completed, TUV Rheinland, the independent certification body, must conduct its own tests on all systems, such as signalling or the CBTC system, which accurately indicates the location of each train. Subsequently, written certification follows to be added to the volume of certifications required for operational licensing.

The fourth milestone is the completion of training, both theoretical and practical, for THEMA personnel. By November, the staff of the newly established company must be able to carry out the transport work of the main line and the daily maintenance tasks. This milestone may be the most inconspicuous but perhaps the most crucial. Construction will be completed, and the challenge will shift to the smooth daily operation of the Thessaloniki Metro.

An important factor is the experience of both companies comprising THEMA, one of which, ATM, operates the “twin brother” system of the Copenhagen Metro. Naturally, like any completely new system starting up, it will also face what are known as “teething problems,” something we have experienced during the launch of the Athens Metro (for lines 2 and 3) and the tram system.

The fifth milestone is the completion of trial runs until they reach 100% readiness and proficiency required in terms of safety and the ability to conduct transportation work. Once this is finalized, we will be on the brink of operation.

The sixth milestone is the integration of Metro tickets with bus tickets. This process is carried out by OASTH, which will ensure what is known as “interoperability.” Essentially, with each ticket, regardless of the mode of transportation (bus or metro), the machines will have compatible software, allowing passengers to use one ticket across different modes of transport.

It may seem simple, but it involves coordinating two different systems. Additionally, the ticket products (paper, cards, credit cards, discounts, etc.) need to be finalized. The ticket cost, as announced, is 90 minutes in duration and will cost 90 cents.

Here, it’s worth mentioning that the competition for the electronic ticket in the expansion towards Kalamaria has also progressed. The Hellenic Metro, which is overseeing the process (having been legally given authority for the competition at the end of 2023), has prepared the tender documents. In the competition held last week, according to information from ypodomes.com, a bid was submitted by a consortium led by AKTOR and is now in the evaluation phase. The estimate is that it will be completed by the summer. This system also needs to be interconnected by 2025 when the Kalamaria extension (or Line 1b) is operational, with the other two ticketing systems.

The seventh milestone is the operating license. This will be the final step before we see the Metro inaugurated and then filled with people. According to sources from ypodomes.com familiar with the process, upon completion of everything, the Hellenic Metro will assume responsibility for the Metro system from the construction consortium through a handover protocol.

Subsequently, perhaps even on the same day, again through a handover protocol, the Elliniko Metro will transfer the system to THEMA, which will then take over its operation. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, having all the necessary documents and certifications, will issue the operating license.

This moment of issuing the license may be the most historic. It will transition us from the -seemingly endless- construction phase to the operational phase. With the directives from the ministry, THEMA will be able to officially commence the commercial operation of this new system, one of the most modern in Europe.

The +1 milestone

Of course, we have an additional milestone, let’s call it +1: the inauguration of the Thessaloniki Metro. Considering that the construction contract was signed in 2006 and it will start operating this year, 2024, unquestionably, it marks the largest project delivery in Greece since 2004, on par with the Rio-Antirrio bridge, the Athens Ring Road, the Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, and earlier, in 2000, with the lines 2 and 3 of the Athens Metro. Let’s not forget that for years, the Thessaloniki Metro project was the largest public project in the country. For the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the operation of the Thessaloniki Metro will undoubtedly be the largest infrastructure project delivered for use by citizens for many years.

At these inaugurations, which will undoubtedly carry emotional weight, there is expected to be a significant mobilization for this highly anticipated launch. Naturally, the most beautiful day for Thessaloniki, as it was in Athens, will be the first day of operation, which will forever change the city’s traffic map and the way its citizens and visitors move around. At that moment, everyone will have the opportunity to fill the stations and trains, to see up close this new mode of transportation that has both troubled and will beautify and improve the city.

For more details and the complete article in Greek, click here