Christos Staikouras spoke on Friday morning from one of the stations of the Thessaloniki Metro, which will start operating in a few days.

Speaking to ANT1, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport said the ticket will cost 0.60 euros, the same as the bus ticket, and will be valid for 70 minutes. The trip from one end of the line to the other will last 17 minutes. Staikouras noted that the Thessaloniki Metro can serve 254,000 passengers daily.

As for safety, he noted that “the systems present in Thessaloniki Metro reduce the number of accidents, as the tunnel is isolated from the platform in case of emergency, and there are doors that open only when the Metro train arrives.” He also noted that inspections are being done and will continue to be done until the system is up and running, noting that all stations will be opened to the public.

“It will be free at least for the first day of operation, we will see with the Prime Minister exactly how long it will be free to use,” Staikouras said.

“There is reasonable suspicion in the city because of the time it takes to complete and deliver the project,” Staikouras said, saying that “by the end of 2025 we will give 5 more stations, in the extension to Kalamaria.”

Referring to urban buses, Christos Staikouras said that “in Thessaloniki, 50% of the bus fleet has been renewed. We have also significantly increased revenues, as controls on fare evasion are increased.”