Deputy Minister of Transport Konstantinos Kyranakis presented the Ministry of Transport’s comprehensive set of measures to improve accessibility in public transportation, during an interministerial press conference on initiatives to support people with disabilities.
Mr. Kyranakis highlighted both the measures that have already been implemented—such as the expansion of the fleet of special vehicles for free transportation of people with disabilities, universal accessibility of the OSY fleet with ramps, and the implementation of the European Disability Card, as well as the new, comprehensive package of measures funded by the Social Climate Fund and already approved by the European Commission.
As he emphasized, accessibility is no longer just a goal on paper, but a measurable policy with specific services and results that are reflected in citizens’ daily lives.
Below is the full statement by Deputy Minister of Transport Konstantinos Kyranakis:
“The efforts we are making at the Ministry of Transport—on buses, the metro, and the railways—have a clear goal: to improve the daily lives of citizens in practice, and especially those of our fellow citizens with disabilities, with measurable results and accountability.
In recent days, we have presented initiatives that are already being implemented. We have expanded the fleet of OSY’s special vehicles, which are available free of charge by appointment to transport people with disabilities—whether for work or for any daily need. The number of routes, which has already reached3,000, is expected to more than double.
At the same time, for the first time, the entire OSY fleet is equipped with wheelchair ramps, and employee training has been completed to ensure practical support for equal access. At the same time, the European Disability Card for free metro travel has put an end to a time-consuming process for passengers.
Building on this, we are now moving forward with a comprehensive action plan, approved by the European Commission through the Social Climate Fund:
- Expansion of the city bus fleet
With €129 million in funding, 210 new buses will be added in Athens and Thessaloniki, with the goal of reducing wait times by 15% and strengthening areas with increased needs, such as Western Attica and Western Thessaloniki. Completion by 2028.
- Upgrading of Line 1 trains
Upgrade of 10 additional trains with accessible cars (ramps, designated spaces, wheelchair restraint systems, adapted audio announcements). The goal is to reduce the frequency to 5 minutes by 2028.
- Upgrading of Line 1 stations
Improvements to platforms, lighting, elevators, ramps, and passenger information at the 24 stations of the Electric Railway. The goal is to increase daily trips by people with disabilities from 4,000 to 10,000 by 2029.
- Procurement of 12 new Metro trains (Lines 2 & 3)
Wait times are expected to be reduced to 3.5 minutes, with a significant increase in usage by people with disabilities. Completion by 2029.
- Digital signage in metro stations
Expansion of the Acropolis pilot system to all stations in Athens and Thessaloniki by 2028, with an app designed primarily to guide people with visual impairments.
- Upgrade of 33 railway stations
Upgrades to suburban and intercity stations with ramps, elevators, tactile surfaces, lighting, and information in Braille. Work to begin in 2027, completion by 2029.
- On-demand transportation services
Development of on-demand transportation services in Attica, Thessaloniki, and the surrounding region, serving tens of thousands of citizens (people with disabilities, seniors, vulnerable groups) via telephone or digital booking.
- Social vehicle leasing
Average subsidy of 13,000 euros, with an additional 2,000 euros for people with disabilities and an extra subsidy for the purchase of a home charger. The goal is to substantially reduce transportation costs.
- Subsidies for special-purpose electric taxis
Up to €29,000 in funding for the purchase of accessible electric taxis, filling a significant gap in services for people with disabilities.
- Improving accessibility through horizontal interventions
Across the entire transportation network, through technological solutions, staff training, and continuous service improvement, based on citizens’ needs.
This plan is not merely a series of projects. It is a conscious choice: to make transportation fairer, more accessible, and more humane for everyone.