Thessaloniki’s public transportation network is receiving a major boost with the introduction of 50 new articulated electric buses and the hiring of 171 drivers, according to the Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organization (OASTH).
The new 18-meter electric buses began operating on the city’s streets Wednesday, September 2, marking the first time vehicles of this type have been introduced in Greece.
The new buses are being deployed on busy routes, primarily in western Thessaloniki, where there is no Metro coverage. Their introduction, combined with the additional drivers, is expected to increase service frequency and reduce waiting times at stops.
New 18-meter electric buses
The buses can carry up to 130 passengers and are equipped with air conditioning, ventilation systems and tilt windows. Their range reaches 300 kilometers, allowing them to complete two operating shifts without recharging.
They also feature ramps for passengers with disabilities, designated wheelchair spaces and automatically adjustable LED interior lighting.
The vehicles are zero-emission and quieter than conventional buses and include USB ports for charging portable devices.
The 50 buses will operate on four routes:
- X1: KTEL bus station to Macedonia Airport, with 10 buses equipped with luggage compartments.
- 12: Kato Toumba to Macedonia KTEL bus station.
- 27: Stavroupoli to the University.
- 32: Kato Ilioupoli to Aristotelous Square.
The introduction of the articulated electric buses continues OASTH’s history of adopting new technology in public transportation. The organization first introduced standard articulated buses in Greece in 1978.
171 new drivers join the network
The arrival of the new buses coincides with the full implementation of OASTH’s winter schedule, which took effect September 1.
Following the completion of the hiring process, the 171 new drivers are taking up their duties, strengthening services and supporting the operation of the network.
The organization says the increased staffing will allow services to run more frequently, reducing passenger waiting times and improving the reliability of public transportation across the Thessaloniki metropolitan area.
Changes to the bus network in Kalamaria and eastern Thessaloniki also took effect September 1. The revised network includes changes and adjustments to key routes intended to improve connections with the new extension of the Thessaloniki Metro toward Kalamaria.
Passengers have been urged to check the detailed route changes on the official website of the Thessaloniki Transport Authority, OSETH.
OASTH calls it a new era
OASTH President Manolis Belimpasakis said the new buses were primarily about improving passengers’ daily experience while also representing a substantial upgrade to public transportation in Thessaloniki.
“With more and modern vehicles, new drivers and more frequent routes, we are taking an important step so that citizens can feel the improvement in practice: at the stop, inside the bus and in the time needed for their journey,” Belimpasakis said.
He added that the effort would continue with a focus on planning, consistency and measurable results, and called on Thessaloniki residents to make the new buses part of their daily lives and treat them with care and respect.
Chairman and CEO Konstantinos Taggiris described the changes as part of a transition toward greener public transportation.
“With the 50 new, impressive 18-meter electric articulated buses and the addition of new drivers to our team, we are turning the page,” Taggiris said.
He said Thessaloniki was gaining public transportation that was “modern, fast, friendly to the environment and the citizen.”
Taggiris also said OASTH now has 160 new electric buses and 46 new diesel buses. Of the 300 vehicles operated by the organization, 206 are therefore new.
“We continue our efforts, with the goal of fully renewing our fleet,” he said.
