Athens Transportation Map under major transformations

Athens transportation map is changing due to the extensions of Metro, Tram networks as well as the rapid development of the Suburban Railway. This, of course, means the rearrangement and further shrinkage of bus lines following the densification of fixed-track means of transport.

What changes 2018 brings along

The first significant change is expected in early 2018 with the expansion of all Suburban itineraries to the Port of Piraeus (from Airport, Kiato and Chalkida). This means that itineraries, especially in the urban section of the network, from Piraeus to SKA (Acharnes), will become much denser, serving 10 stations at frequencies considerably improved compared to the current ones. The urban section comprises of the following stations: Piraeus, Lefka, Renti, Tavros, Rouf, Athens, Aghioi Anargyroi, Pyrgos Vasillisis, Kato Acharnes and SKA (Acharnes).

In September 2018, the first itineraries of the extended Tramway to the center of Piraeus are expected to commence. It will be a single track, circular line of 5.4 km, starting from Peace and Friendship Stadium (aka SEF, current terminal), all the way to Posidonos Coast in Piraeus.

2019-2021

Between 2019 and 2021, we expect the gradual delivery of Athens Metro Line 3 extension, also to Piraeus’ city centre. The first set of stations will be released to operation in 2019 (Aghia Varvara, Korydallos and Nikea), while in 2021 Maniatika, Piraeus and Dimotiko Theatro will be incorporated in Metro system, making Piraeus the largest transportation hub in the capital’s metropolitan area.

Athens Metro Line 4

Over the next decade, Athens transportation map will continue changing dramatically. Towards the mid-20s, extensions of the Tramway to Keratsini and Perama and the Suburban Railway to Lavrio and Rafina, are expected. However, another hugely important addition is anticipated around the end of the next decade in the capital and that would be, the operation of the first section of Athens Metro Line 4 with 14 new stations (Veikou Grove-Goudhi).

It is noteworthy that Athens Metro Line 4 construction phase is due to start relatively soon, while project studies for the extension of the Tramway to Keratsini-Perama are already underway. Funding efforts are also made by Attiko Metro and the Ministry of Infrastructure concerning future extensions of Line 4 to Athens-Thessaloniki motorway axis, Perissos and Ilioupoli.

Nikos Karagiannis-ypodomes.com

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