World Report

ne of the most obvious symbols of the revitalised Athens is the sleek new Metro system. More than any other single improvement, the Metro has helped to transform the capital into a modern European city, making it easier for residents and visitors to get around and helping to reduce traffic congestion.

Managed by the independent, state-owned company Attiko Metro, the new system conveys 500,000 passengers a day. During peak hours trains call at each station every three minutes.

George Yannis (INTERVIEW), Attiko Metro’s Chairman, feels the system has improved the city both as a place to live and as a place to work. “After three years of operation, it is very clear that the Athens Metro has changed life in Athens both socially and economically,” he says. “With new projects and expansion on the way, everybody is positive about the system. They realise that it is the best solution for everyday transport.”

George Yannis
Chairman of Attiko Metro

‘Life in Athens has been changed socially and economically’

Ancient treasures unearthed during construction have been put on display

Begun in 1991, the $2.1 billion (£1.2 billion) project funded by the EU (50%), the Greek state (10%), and EIB loans (40%) began operation in 2000. Two new lines and 21 stations have been added to the original 15-mile underground line, which dates back to 1869.

During its construction, engineers unearthed vast quantities of ancient treasures, making the Metro the largest archaeological excavation site in Greece. Many of these are now on display at stations.

Mr Yannis explains: “We respected all procedures set up by the Ministry of Culture and the archaeologists, in order to preserve monuments. Five of the Metro stations are also museums.”

Extensions to both new lines are under way, and are scheduled to be completed within five years. In July, Line 3 progressed further north with the opening of the Doukissis Plakentias station. The line shares tracks with the suburban railway that carries passengers to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport.

The cost of further extensions to create a system of 53 stations along 38 miles of line has been put at 2.5 billion euros (£1.6 billion) and will require the participation of private companies.