The first fully refurbished train of Athens Metro Line 1 is expected to return to service in July 2026, according to the timetable announced on Wednesday by the Athens Urban Rail Transport S.A. (STASY).

The upgraded train was unveiled at the central Sepolia depot and belongs to the so-called “8th delivery” series introduced into operation between 1983 and 1985.

STASY said all 14 trainsets currently undergoing a modernization are expected to be delivered by May 2027. Four refurbished trainsets are scheduled for delivery by the end of December 2026, with the remaining 10 due by May 2027. The company is also considering the refurbishment of an additional 10 older Line 1 trainsets.

The modernization project is intended to improve service frequency on the busy Piraeus–Kifissia (north-south) line. Once all refurbished trains re-enter service, STASY said intervals between trains will be reduced from 8.5 minutes to five minutes by 2027.

The operator’s executives said the modernization and renovations were essential because spare parts for the 1980s-built trains are no longer available.

A relevant contract has faced repeated delays since it was signed in December 2022 with Spanish manufacturer Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF). STASY has imposed penalties totaling around 3.8 million euros against the contractor because of missed deadlines, media reports stated.

Under the original schedule, the 14 refurbished trainsets were due to be delivered by September 2025. The deadline was subsequently pushed back first to December 2025 and later to spring 2026.

The overhaul program forms part of a broader effort by the Greek government and STASY to modernize the greater Athens-Piraeus agglomeration’s aging and often inadequate public transport network. Over the past six months, pressure has mounted to improve urban transport reliability following persistent complaints over delays, overcrowding and aging rolling stock across the capital’s metro and suburban rail systems.