The government on Monday announced that public transports in greater Athens – where half the population lives in the country will be free from June 29 to July 6.

The decision will be announced later on Monday to facilitate citizens and will concern the metro, buses, trains and the electric trains but not the suburban train.

The decision is only applicable in cities where transport are run by the state, and does not apply to the city of Thessaloniki and other cities where buses are run by private companies.

It is hoped that this move – estimated to cost 4 mln euros – would encourage less people to buy … gas, in short supply at stations after panic buying.