Elliniko: tram or metro

The Ministry of Infrastructure has decided to abandon the plan to extend the tram line to Elliniko and instead begin work on a study for the construction of a metro station on the Athens Riviera.

This decision was announced by Deputy Minister Nikos Tahiaos and caused discontent among tram transport workers. According to the Deputy Minister, financing the construction of a metro station will be carried out through Lamda's investment in expanding the metro to Glyfada, while the costs of the tram line will be borne by the investor. This means that the state will finance the expensive metro project and abandon the more economical tram projectwhich will also be implemented faster. The move could impact Attica's future strategic transport plan, which is currently being developed OASA.

The workers' association of Σωματείο Ηλεκτροδηγών Τραμ Αττικής (ΣΗΤΑ) raised the issue, accusing Tahiaos of trying to overturn laws and presidential decrees. They demand to connect Piraeus, the coastal area and Nearchos Park with the capital's Elliniko Park, fearing the obsolescence of the tram line and oppose Tahiaos' expensive projects.

The AVAX letter states that Tahiaos ordered stop the construction of a commercial tram line in Elliniko and begin a study for the construction of a metro station. The document also states that the existing tram line will be upgraded to commercialto connect metro line 2 and the coastal line through Elliniko Park. This will be the first privately financed transport project.

However, according to Ethnos sources, the plan has not changed, and an internal tram line is still a “must”, although the construction of a metro station inside the pole is not ruled out. The tram is considered a cheaper project compared to the metro. However, according to rumors, the ministry is trying to “freeze” the tram for the sake of the metro, noting that “the metro is the best solution.”

According to ΣΟΑ, investments in Elliniko involve the development of the transport axis of Vouliagmenis Avenue with the center of Athens. Project implementation includes traffic and transportation studies to minimize traffic and environmental impacts. Cooperation with the competent authorities will also be resumed to create new routes and modify existing ones.

At the same time, it is planned to create internal bus network with the aim of directly connecting metro and tram stations to residential areas not covered by the tram line.

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