IN Piraeus dismantling of the trolleybus network began, which worked on the streets of Athens and its suburbs 72 years old. Specialized teams have begun removing overhead wires as trolleybuses are gradually replaced modern electric buses.
Work started in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Transport Konstantinos Kiryanakis. According to ERTtensions arose at the site between officials and workers opposed to the dismantling.
According to the new urban transport modernization plan, every two decommissioned trolleybuses will be purchased to replace three electric buseswhich will increase the total number of available vehicles. Kiryanakis said that the decision was made based on the technical deterioration of the old infrastructure and economic benefits for the state.
He also emphasized that no employee will lose their jobOn the contrary, new sets of drivers and wage increases are provided. According to the minister, updating the fleet will make the routes more frequent and reliable.
Reduce costs and remove wires
The Ministry of Transport plans to eliminate approximately 70% overhead linesfirst in Piraeus, then in Athens. This, according to the department, will “free up the city skyline” and significantly reduce maintenance costs.
Routes 17 And 20 will be the first where trolleybuses will replace electric buses. Economic calculations show a noticeable difference: operating a trolleybus costs 5.5 euros per kilometerwhile electric buses have only 2.5 euros.
In addition, the old trolleybus network required large-scale reconstruction costing about 20 million eurosmaking the transition to electric buses financially inevitable.
According to the authorities, gradual replacement will save jobs, improve the quality of service and update the outdated transport system.
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