A sweeping transport reform bill tabled by the relevant transport was approved by majority vote in Parliament on Monday evening, with the government majority pointing to efforts at modernizing the operational framework of the country’s transport system but with the opposition bitterly opposed.
The draft legislation has also sparked repeated and ongoing industrial actions by taxi owners’ unions.
The bill introduces a unified set of rules across key sectors, including public transport, the taxi market, vehicle inspections, electromobility, and sustainable urban mobility.
Strike rally and protest march to the Ministry of Transport by the Attica Taxi Drivers’ Union (SATA), on 15 April 2025. (KOSTAS JUMAS/EUROKINISSI)
One provision envisions the creation of a driver training program by the greater Athens-Piraeus’ bus operator, allowing the state-run organization to train new bus drivers to meet growing staffing demands. The training may be offered free of charge, with participants committing to a period of employment or repaying costs if they leave early.
The legislation also introduces, for the first time, the possibility of mandatory community service for individuals found guilty of vandalizing public transport infrastructure. Offenders may be required to carry out repair and restoration work instead of paying fines, alongside any other penalties imposed.
In an effort to combat fare evasion, fines for passengers without valid tickets on public transport in Athens and Thessaloniki will increase to €100, up from €72. Reduced-fare violations will now incur a €50 fine. However, offenders will have the option to halve the penalty if they purchase an unlimited travel card.
Stiffer Penalties, Liberalization of Taxi Sector
The new legal framework also introduces stricter penalties for attacks on public transport inspectors and sweeping reforms across in the taxi sector
Under the new legislation, assaults against inspectors and related staff will face stiffer criminal penalties and will be automatically prosecuted without the need for a formal complaint.
At the same time, the bill introduces measures to address long-standing issues in the taxi sector, such as resolving co-ownership and inheritance issues that had previously led to professional vehicles being taken out of circulation and financial losses for owners.
The law also paves the way for the digitization of taxi licenses, allowing for real-time verification at curbside. In addition, drivers will be allowed to convert licenses from five-seat to nine-seat vehicles.
In a move to support the transition to “greener” transport, another bitterly opposed framework, the government said it will provide subsidies of up to €20,000 for the purchase of full electric vehicles. The transfer will be linked to license renewals, with exemptions for drivers nearing retirement or facing financial hardship.
Additionally, diesel vehicles will be subject to mandatory checks for particulate emissions, a move aimed at reducing air pollution and improving public health in major urban areas.
