Athens–Piraeus Electric Railways

After more than a decade of delays, plans to move the section of the electric railway (ISAP) between Neo Faliro and Piraeus underground appear ready to move forward following the approval of a sum for a pre-tender study, Kathimerini understands.

The new government has replaced several high-ranking executives at the Athens Urban Rail Transport Company (STASY).
The replacements came after a number of problems became apparent in the operations of the metro, especially as regards the frequency of trains.

A significant proportion of ticket machines at metro and tram stations across the capital have stopped functioning over the past week, apparently because of the high temperatures.

The machines generally malfunctioned while trying to issue paper tickets and not during the renewal of existing electronic tickets.

Athens urban rail transport company STASY is part of one of the six major consortiums to be short-listed for the second stage of the tender for the operation and maintenance of Jerusalem's light rail system.

Direct service to and from Athens International Airport resumed on the Greek capital's metro system over the weekend, following complaints over a decision by operator STASY to split the trip between different trains.

The Transport Ministry has demanded the reversal of a decision last week by the Urban Rail Transport Company (STASY) that is forcing commuters on the metro traveling to and from Athens International Airport to change trains at Doukissis Plakentias station.

According to sources cited in the Greek media, the measure, which sparked the ire of commuters, will be scrapped in coming days.

Commuters traveling to and from Athens International Airport on the metro will have to change trains at Doukissis Plakentias station from Thursday onward, according to the Urban Rail Transport Company (STASY).

In a statement, STASY said that Doukissis Plakentias will be starting and termination point on the airport route.

Despite an early June deadline, several stations on Line 1 of the Athens metro - also known as the Piraeus-Kifissia electric railway or ISAP - have yet to activate newly installed ticket barriers.

With all stations on lines 2 and 3 having already activated the barriers - after long delays - ISAP stations and several on the suburban rail network are lagging behind.

Athens commuters are set for fresh travel disruptions on Wednesday and Friday due to two planned 24-hour strikes by workers on the Athens metro, tram and the Piraeus-Kifissia electric railway (ISAP).

The strikes will mean services on the metro, tram and ISAP are totally suspended on Wednesday and Friday though will operate normally on Thursday.

The Athens metro system and trams will not be operating from 9 p.m. until the end of the Tuesday night shift due to a workers’ strike. The Piraeus-Kifissia overground electric railway will also be shut as part of the warning strike being held by metro, ISAP railway and tram workers.