With a message “in favor of dialogue, but drawing a red line against blackmail,” Deputy Minister of Transport Konstantinos Kyranakis spoke about the changes in the new Highway Code, the operation of bus lanes, the relationship with the taxi sector, and the government’s philosophy on improving transportation.

On Thursday, taxi drivers and owners gathered at the gates of the Ministry of Transport when it became known that the representative invited for dialogue did not include the president of the taxi union SATA, Thymios Lyberopoulos. Mr. Kyranakis had invited a taxi delegation for talks since yesterday and stated today on SKAI radio that “we cannot engage in dialogue with those who storm into offices and verbally assault ministry employees.”

Regarding fully loaded taxis, Mr. Kyranakis clarified that pickup and drop-off will be permitted, but that only special vehicles used by people with disabilities and zero-emission taxis will be allowed to operate in bus lanes. These taxis will be issued special-colored plates, with priority always given to bus traffic.

As for differences of opinion with former Deputy Minister Vasilis Oikonomou over bus lane usage, Mr. Kyranakis emphasized that their cooperation on all other issues has been and continues to be excellent, with mutual respect — something both have publicly affirmed. He acknowledged that the creation of the new Highway Code is a project involving both the current and previous leaderships of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.

“Respect for the citizen who uses the bus”
Mr. Kyranakis explained that the new bus lane monitoring system — featuring cameras on the front of buses and automatic digital fines — aims to restore priority to public transport, as is standard in every modern European city. He stressed, “We finally want to show respect to the person waiting for the bus, who feels invisible.”

New Fleet
Kyranakis also mentioned that by the end of 2025, around 1,000 new buses — primarily electric — will be added to the fleet in Attica. New driver recruitments are already underway. The goal is to improve the accuracy and reliability of route information provided through the OASA app.

New Highway Code: Repeat Offenses and Point System
The new Highway Code introduces a repeat offense system with harsher penalties for recurring violations. For example, using a mobile phone while driving (without causing an accident) incurs a fine of €350; a second offense raises the fine to €1,000, and a third to €2,000, along with a one-year license suspension. Additionally, a new digital point system will be launched, giving every citizen full access to their driving history.