OASTH (Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organization) will enter the new year with 50% of its fleet consisting of new buses, following the signing of a contract for the acquisition of an additional 159 vehicles from Germany through leasing. The contract, which has a duration of 30 months with a 6-month option, was signed in Thessaloniki at OASTH’s offices by the President and CEO of OASTH, Kostas Tanggiris, and the CEO of the contracting company Med Bus & Truck Center, Kostas Papadakis, in the presence of the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Staikouras.
The new buses will be on the streets of Thessaloniki starting January 1, 2025. The average age of these buses is estimated at 7.5 years, with 41 of the 159 being brand new. Additionally, through leasing, OASTH will acquire 80 articulated 18-meter buses, 45 standard 12-meter buses, 26 medium-sized buses ranging from 8 to 10 meters, five small buses between 6 and 7 meters, and three special vehicles designed specifically for the free transportation of people with disabilities.
“As a result, from January 1, 2025, half of OASTH’s buses will be new vehicles, meaning a 50% fleet renewal within a year and a half. This is another step towards quantitatively and qualitatively enhancing public transport in Thessaloniki,” noted Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Staikouras.
He highlighted that over the past year and a half, numerous improvements have been made to enhance the daily lives of citizens using urban transportation, such as the procurement of 110 brand new electric buses, the replacement of 54 vehicles, and the recruitment of 190 new drivers to improve bus frequency. He also mentioned that there are plans to extend the contracts of the new hires and that 130 individuals have been placed in ticket control positions to reduce fare evasion. On this matter, Staikouras pointed out that the measures have already started to yield significant results, citing that in October, OASTH’s revenue reached 2.3 million euros, compared to 1.7 million euros in September.
OASTH Ticket Price Reduced to 0.60 Euros from December for Six Months
Regarding the pricing policy, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport emphasized that from December, the OASTH ticket price will be reduced to 0.60 euros from the current 0.90 euros, and the cost of the monthly card will be 16 euros, down from 27 euros. These prices will remain in effect for six months, as he clarified.
“With this extremely attractive pricing policy, combined with the fleet renewal, reduced fare evasion, and the operation of the Metro at the end of the month, we are shaping a new transportation reality in Thessaloniki. We are offering modern, affordable, environmentally friendly public transport that is accessible to all. We are fulfilling our commitment to make life better for Thessaloniki’s residents,” Staikouras said.
After the six-month period of the new pricing policy for OASTH, Staikouras noted that an evaluation will be made regarding the use of buses and the metro by the public, to decide whether a unified ticket for both means of transport will be implemented at 1.20 euros, or if separate tickets will remain. The future development of fare evasion will play a key role in determining ticket prices for the second half of 2025.
During the signing of the contract, it was emphasized that the goal is to increase the use of public transport in Thessaloniki. It was also mentioned that in an upcoming event tomorrow, the fare policy will be presented in detail by OSETH, OASTH, and Hellenic Metro S.A.
