Athens has launched its first-ever 24-hour pilot operation for public transport services, including the Metro, Tram, and select bus routes, starting Saturday, July 5. The initiative, implemented by OASA (Athens Urban Transport Organization), aims to enhance urban mobility, road safety, and nighttime accessibility throughout the capital.

The pilot program covers Metro lines 2 and 3, Tram lines T6 and T7, and nine key bus routes, serving major areas across Attica. It is scheduled to run through the night into Sunday morning, with service frequencies varying by line and time. The data collected during this trial will inform future decisions about expanding or adjusting 24-hour transit coverage in the city.

According to OASA, the measure is designed to support broader efforts to modernize Athens’ transit infrastructure, reduce traffic-related accidents, and improve public convenience—particularly during late hours and weekends.

Metro and Tram Timetables

During the overnight operation:

  • Metro Line 2 (Anthoupoli – Elliniko) will run every 10 to 15 minutes between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m.
  • Metro Line 3 (Dimotiko Theatro – Doukissis Plakentias/Airport) will run on a split schedule, with airport trains every 36 minutes, and regular trains every 9 to 15 minutes, depending on the hour.
  • Tram Lines T6 (Syntagma – Pikrodafni) and T7 (Asklipieio Voulas – Agia Triada) will operate every 15 to 25 minutes overnight, with more frequent intervals resuming early morning.

Extended Bus Coverage

In addition to existing night lines (such as 040, 11, X93,X95, X96, X97, and 790), the following daytime routes will join the 24-hour pilot schedule:

  • 164, 221, 608, 703, 842, 049, A15, B11, B12

These routes were chosen to connect vital areas, university campuses, and transit hubs, ensuring late-night access for a broad segment of the population.

Safety Concerns from Transit Workers

Despite support for the measure, safety concerns have been raised by STASY (Urban Rail Transport S.A.) station staff.

“Our main concern is safety—especially at night when station policing is either absent or inconsistent,” said Leonidas Georgopoulos, President of the STASY Stationmasters Union, in a statement to ERTNews.

He emphasized that the Ariadne policing plan, which currently provides security coverage between 8 a.m. and midnight, leaves several hours of vulnerability at stations where no police presence is ensured.

“It’s crucial to have a uniformed police presence in every station overnight, particularly when passengers may be returning from nightlife activities, possibly under the influence of alcohol. We must avoid unpleasant incidents,” Georgopoulos stressed.

He also noted that while stationmasters already work around the clock, the primary concern remains the safety of both staff and passengers.

“We support the measure—we want the Metro to serve the public—but it must be implemented properly and safely,” he added.

Government’s Broader Strategy

The 24-hour operation, first proposed in May by Deputy Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Kostas Kyranakis, is part of a wider strategic push to curb traffic fatalities and promote sustainable mobility in the greater Athens area. Authorities hope that a more robust public transport network will help discourage late-night car use and ultimately reduce the city’s dependence on private vehicles.

The coming weeks will determine whether the trial proves successful enough to establish permanent 24-hour service across more routes or days in the future.