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TheAthens Metro (Greek:Μετρό Αθήνας,romanized: Metro Athinas) is arapid transit system serving theAthens urban area in Greece.Line 1 opened as a single-track conventional steam railway in 1869 and was electrified in 1904. Beginning in 1991,Elliniko Metro S.A. constructed and extendedLines 2 and3.[5]It has significantly changed Athens by providing a much-needed solution to the city's traffic and air pollution problem, as well as revitalising many of the areas it serves.Extensions of existing lines are under development or tender, like the Line 2 extension to Ilion where tender started in 2023, as well as a newLine 4, whose central section began construction in October 2021.[6]The Athens Metro is actively connected with the other means of public transport, such as buses, trolleys, theAthens Tram and theAthens Suburban Railway. The Athens Metro is hailed for its modernity (mainly the newer lines 2, 3), and many of its stations feature works of art, exhibitions and displays of the archaeological remains found during its construction. Photography and video-taking is permitted across the whole network[7] andstreet photographers often work in Athens Metro. This was the only metro system inGreece, before theThessaloniki Metro began operations on 30 November 2024.
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Until 28 January 2000, Line 1 was the only rapid-transit line in Athens. The Athens and Piraeus Railway Company (SAP) opened asteamsingle-track mixed cargo and passenger railway line on 27 February 1869 and was run betweenPiraeus andThiseio. It was electrified in 1904. On 4 February 1885Lavrion Square-Strofylisteamnarrow gaugesingle-track mixed cargo and passenger railway line opened and was run at the time from Attiki Square to Kifissia through Iraklio. These originally mixed cargo and passenger railway lines gradually merged and converted to a rapid-transit system. The section between Kifissia and Strofyli was abandoned.
From 1869 to 1926 the line was operated by SAP. From 1926 to 1976 the line was operated byHellenic Electric Railways (EIS). In 1976 the EIS was nationalized and renamed Athens-Piraeus Electric Railway Company (ISAP), which continued to operate what became line 1 of the Athens Metro until 16 June 2011.[8]
Since the current Line 1 opened, the government has proposed many expansions to the subway network, including a 1963 plan for a fourteen-line subway network.[9] Construction of Lines 2 and 3 began in November 1992 to decrease traffic congestion and improve Athens' air quality by reducing its smog level.[5] Both lines were constructed underground. Lines 2 and 3, built by Attiko Metro S.A. and operated until 2011 by Attiko Metro Operations Company, are known respectively as the red and blue lines and were inaugurated in January 2000. Line 3 was extended to theEleftherios Venizelos International Airport in summer 2004, and Line 2 was extended toAnthoupoli and Elliniko in 2013.
Until 17 June 2011,[8] the operational management of the Athens Metro network was similar to that of theLondon Underground network before the creation of theLondon Passenger Transport Board and the absorption of theMetropolitan Railway on 1 July 1933. The Greek government attempted to absorbISAP into Attiko Metro operation company under Law 2669/1998 so the latter would be responsible for the whole network,[10] but this initiative failed.[why?] Athens Metro operations were consolidated when the Greek government enacted Law 3920/2011,[11] replacingAMEL, ISAP and Tram S.A. withUrban Rail Transport S.A. (STASY S.A.) (Greek:ΣΤΑΣΥ Α.Ε.), a subsidiary of OASA S.A. (Athens Urban Transport Organisation S.A.).[12]
| Line | Segment | Construction Started | Year Opened |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Piraeus-Thiseio | 1856 | 27 February 1869 |
| Thiseio-Omonoia | 1889 | 17 May 1895 |
| Omonoia-Victoria | January 1928 | 1 March 1948 |
| Victoria-Attiki | 30 June 1949 | |
| Attiki-Ano Patisia | 12 February 1956 | |
| Ano Patisia-Nea Ionia | 14 March 1956 | |
| Nea Ionia-Irakleio | 4 March 1957 | |
| Irakleio-Kifissia | 10 August 1957 | |
 | Sepolia-Syntagma | November 1992 | 28 January 2000 |
 | Syntagma-Ethniki Amyna | ||
| Syntagma-Dafni | 15 November 2000[13] | |
| Syntagma-Monastiraki | 22 April 2003 | |
| Dafni-Agios Dimitrios | April 2001 | 5 June 2004 |
| Ethniki Amyna-Athens Airport | December 2000 | 30 July 2004 |
| Neratziotissa (Infill station) | February 2002 | 6 August 2004 |
| Sepolia-Agios Antonios | February 2002 | 9 August 2004 |
| Monastiraki-Egaleo | May 2002 | 26 May 2007 |
| Agios Antonios-Anthoupoli | May 2007 | 6 April 2013 |
| Agios Dimitrios-Elliniko | January 2007 | 26 July 2013 |
| Egaleo-Agia Marina | 14 December 2013 | |
| Agia Marina-Nikaia | July 2012 | 7 July 2020 |
| Nikaia-Dimotiko Theatro | 10 October 2022 |
The Athens Metro consists of three lines totalling 91.7 kilometres (57.0 miles) and 66 stations: Line 1 (Green) is 25.7 kilometres (16.0 miles) long with 24 stations, Line 2 (Red) is 18.7 kilometres (11.6 miles) long with 20 stations, and Line 3 (Blue) is 47.3 kilometres (29.4 mi) long with 24 stations.[4]STASY owns and operates 62 of the 66 stations: three other stations (Pallini,Paiania–Kantza andKoropi) belong to GAIAOSE and theAthens Airport station belongs to theoperator of theAthens International Airport.
The system has five interchanges, atAttiki,Monastiraki,Omonia,Piraeus andSyntagma, allowing all three to interchange with each other at least once. Each line also has at least one connection with theAthens Suburban Railway, and theAthens Tram.
| Line | Map colour[e] | Opened | Last extension | Type | Stations | Length | Termini | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green | 27 February 1869 | 10 August 1957 | Sub surface | 24 | 25.7 km (16.0 mi) | [17] | |
| Red | 28 January 2000 | 26 July 2013 | Deep level | 20 | 18.7 km (11.6 mi) | [18][19] | |
| Blue | 28 January 2000 | 10 October 2022 | Deep level | 27 | 47.3 km (29.4 mi)[c] | [18][20] | |
| Total: | 66[f] | 91.7 km (57.0 mi) | ||||||
Line 2 is entirely underground. Line 1 is mostly overground, with an underground section spanning between the Monastiraki and Attiki stations, and an additional underground station (Kato Patisia) in central Athens. Line 3 is mostly underground; Trains that run an overground route are only those with the airport as final destination. The overground section of Line 3, east of the tunnel portal nearDoukissis Plakentias, is open. In the tunnel sections up and down lines share a common tunnel, except for approaches to stations with an island platform (such as Egaleo).Train maintenance facilities are located at Attiki, Faliro, Irini, Piraeus, Kifissia and Thissio for Line 1, and Doukissis Plakentias, Eleonas and Sepolia for Lines 2 and 3.
The Athens Metro's three lines carried approximately 1,353,000 passengers daily in 2010.[1]
A network map of the Athens Metro system, that includes the three current lines, the under construction line 4, the tramway, the suburban railway and all the future under design extensions.[14]
The network usesstandard gauge electric trains which in most places run on750 VDCthird rail, but the section of Line 3 running to the airport requires trains which can useoverhead lines of25 kVAC, 50 Hz.
The Athens Metro classifies rolling stock by "batch" for Line 1 and "generation" for Lines 2 and 3 because ISAP andAMEL used different classification systems for rolling stock before consolidation. Six types of rolling stock operate on the network, all equipped with third rail current collection systems; however, only seven second-generation trains have the necessary overhead line equipment to serve Line 3 fromDoukissis Plakentias toAthens Airport.
The eighth batch (introduced in 1983) is the oldest rolling stock in passenger service, while the third generation (introduced in 2013) is the latest rolling stock in passenger service. The eighth- and tenth-batch stock is externally similar, but the former hassplit-flap headsigns inJohnston typeface and a cream-and-green interior colour scheme. An extensive refurbishment programme is in progress for the 8th batch (as of 2023), and to cover for trains undergoing refurbishment, up to five 1st generation Line 2/3 trains have been borrowed to operate on Line 1.
Line 1 halfsets have driving cabs at both ends, unlike the Line 2/3 halfsets which have a driving cab at the outer ends, but only basic driving apparatus for shunting purposes only at the inner ends; thus, they can only operate on their own inside depots.
| Name | Manufacturer | Image | Lines | Number of Coaches per Trainset | Number of Doors per Side | Passengers | In service since | About |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8th Batch | MAN SE,Siemens Mobility |  8th Batch trainset at Kifisia (2009) |  | 5 | 4 | 830 | 1983–1985 | The 8th batch, also known as Columbia, from the well-known space shuttle is the oldest of the series of trainsets that runs on the Athens Metro network. As of 2023, 14 trainsets is under upgrade. |
| 10th Batch | MAN SE,AEG, Siemens Mobility,Hellenic Shipyards Co. |  10th Batch trainset at Piraeus (2011) | | 5 | 4 | 830 | 1993–1995 | The 10th batch is the second oldest range of wagons that runs on the Athens Metro network. They are identical in appearance with the 8th batch and known by the same nickname. An upgrade of the train is anticipated. |
| 11th Batch | Adtranz, Siemens Mobility, Hellenic Shipyards Co.,Bombardier Transportation |  11th Batch trainset at Neratziotissa (2007) | | 6 | 4 | 1002 | 2000–2004 | The 11th batch was the only batch of Line 1 of the Athens Metro which has 6 coaches, before 1st generation trains of the Lines 2 and 3 enter service on Line 1. An upgrade of the trains is anticipated. |
| 1st Generation | Siemens Mobility,Daimler-Benz,Alsthοm |  |   | 6 | 4 | 1,030 | 2000 | The 1st generation is the oldest batch of 2 and 3 line trainsets and the only one in the whole network with sliding doors and not locking doors. Some first generation trains are also used on line 1. |
| Name | Manufacturer | Image | Lines | Number of Coaches per Trainset | Number of Doors per side | Speed (km/h) | Passengers | Units | In operation since | About |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Generation | Siemens Mobility,Daimler-Benz,Alsthοm | | | 6 | 4 | 80[21] | 1,030 | 28 | 2000 | The 1st generation is the oldest batch of 2 and 3 line trainsets and the only one in the whole network with sliding doors and not locking doors. Some first generation trains are also used on line 1. |
| 2nd Generation | Hanwha-Rotem,Mitsubishi Vapor,Knorr-Bremse | .jpg) | | 6 | 4 | 80 (DC) 120 (DC/AC)[22] | 1,062 (DC) 1,026 (DC/AC) | 21 (7 DC/AC & 14 DC) | 2003 | The second generation operates under the standard line voltage of 750 V DC from third rail, but 7 trains from line 3 are able to operate under25 kV 50 Hz AC fromoverhead catenary with a pantograph in order to serve the section from Doukissis Plakentias to the Airport. |
| 3rd Generation | Hyundai Rotem, Siemens Mobility | .jpg) | | 6 | 4 | 80[23] | 1.032 | 28 | 2014 | The 3rd generation is the latest model of trainsets running on the Athens Metro network. |
Line 1 uses two-aspect red/green home signals, yellow/green distant signals and a passenger information system (PIS). The current system replaced 1950s-era semaphore signals. The automatic train protection (ATP) system of Line 1 was fully installed in 2023 which replaced the previous Indusi system.[24]
Lines 2 and 3 use the Alstom automatic train supervision system (ATS) and a passenger information system (PIS). Two-aspect red/white colour signals are used at points and junctions only.
Fares are prepaid, either as short term tickets valid for 90 minutes, 24 hours, three days, five days, or as long term tickets. As of September 2020, there are two types of fare products, the ATH.ENA Ticket and ATH.ENA Card, both of which are validated using a contactless system (by scanning the ticket or card at the electronic validating machines). The tickets are valid on all modes of public transport in Athens except on trains and buses to the airport.[25] Passengers cannot buy a fare on board the bus. To travel to or from the airport, passengers may buy a one-way ticket for €9 or a 3-day ticket for €20 which also includes unlimited local trips and a return trip to the airport. Arrival at the airport without having paid the appropriate fare will incur a €72 fine, reduced to €36 if paid within 10 days. Term tickets are available in 30, 90, 180, and 365 day periods and are available only with a personalized ATH.ENA Card. Reduced fares are available for university students, seniors, disabled and persons under 18. During a fare control the passengers that are entitled to a reduced fare have to show ID card, student card or passport.[26] Children under the age of 6 are entitled to travel for free with all means of transportation. On buses andtrams the ticket or card must be validated only when entering the vehicle/car by scanning the ticket at the electronic validating machines. At metro orSuburban Railway stations, the ticket or card must be validated at the electronic gates when entering and exiting the station.
During construction of the metro tunnels, artifacts of archaeological interest were discovered andrescue archaeology was employed. Teams of archaeologists worked ahead of, then with, engineers for six years, protecting and recording archaeological finds (streets, houses, cemeteries, sanctuaries, public workshops, foundry pits, kilns, aqueducts, wells, cisterns, drains and sewage tunnels). This afforded new insight into the city's ancient topography, through unprecedented infrastructure development combined with the study and preservation of archaeological data. Exhibitions of ancient artifacts or replicas are found at a number of metro stations, includingMonastiraki,Akropoli andSyntagma.
The Athens Metro masterplan, as presented in October 2022, consists of the following projects:[27]
| Line | Segment | Length | Stations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petralona-SNFCC | 4.1 km (2.5 mi) | 4 |
| KAT-Komvos Varympompis | 4.4 km (2.7 mi) | 3* |
| Anthoupoli-Agios Nikolaos | 4 km (2.5 mi) | 3 |
| Agios Nikolaos-Acharnes | 5.5 km (3.4 mi) | 3 |
| Elliniko-Glyfada | 3.6 km (2.2 mi) | 3 |
 | Goudi-Lykovrysi | 12.1 km (7.5 mi) | 10 |
| Alsos Veikou-Petroupoli | 6.8 km (4.2 mi) | 6 |
| ** | Evangelismos-Ano Ilioupoli | 3.4 km (2.1 mi) | 3 |
*The currentKifissia terminal will be demolished and rebuilt as an underground station.
**The Development Plan refers it as Line 4 branch but there are unofficial plans that this branch is part of the future Line 5.
If and when these projects are completed, the Athens Metro is expected to reach141.7 km (88.0 mi) in length and serve a total of 110 stations by 2040.
A fourth line is planned for the Athens Metro and it has been incorporated in the roadmap for the development and expansion ofpublic transport in Athens since 2005. The new line in its totality will extend over a length of 38.2 km (23.7 mi), adding thirty five (35) new stations to the Athens Metro system. The cost of the entire project is estimated at 3.3 billionEUR.[28] The recommendation is for lighter rolling stock than the type used in existing lines of Athens Metro which would operateautomatically without a driver. In November 2020,Alstom was chosen to supply the line with 20 4-car automatedMetropolis trains, operated under Urbalis 400 signalling system.[29]
The first phase of Line 4 will be betweenAlsos Veikou andGoudi stations, predicting fifteen (15) new stations and a length of 12.8 km (8.0 mi) of new track. Aninvitation to tender for the construction of the first phase of Line 4 was issued in September 2018. The construction started in mid to late-2021 and is scheduled to be completed in 2029 or 2030. The estimated cost for constructing the first phase of the new line is 1.51 billion EUR. Currently, the project of the first phase is considered to follow aPPP scheme which might be extended for constructing the whole new line. An alternative solution is a mixed funding between theEIB and the Greek State. It is also a high-profile candidate project to be included in theJuncker Plan of EU that will include also the second phase of Line 4 of Athens Metro.
TheEuropean Investment Bank is allocating a €730 million loan over 30 years to finance the building of the first segment of the Line 4 metro, which will connect Alsos Veikou and Goudi. The initiative will also assist Athens by reducing the number of private automobiles on the road by 53 000, resulting in 318 tonnes fewerCO2 released daily.[30][31][32][33]
Since 2020 the northern extension has been decided to consist of an underground part (including a new underground Kifissia station) and the initial extension until Nea Erythrea, with the stations between Agios Stefanos and Nea Erythrea utilising theSuburban railways ofOSE, with a further extension towards Varympompi Junction.[34][35][36]
| Station | Municipality | Interchanges and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kifissia | Kifissia | New Underground Station[37] |
| ΑΟΚ | ||
| Nea Erithrea | Nea Erithrea | |
| Varympompi Jct | Acharnes | OnA1 Motorway[38] |
When the topographical survey was done it was decided that for the Southern Extension there would be an underground diversion from the station ofThiseio branching out to 3,5km consisting of 4 stations: Ano Petralona, Plateia Davaki, Lofos Filaretou ending atStavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center nearDelta Falirou.[39][40]
| Station | Municipality | Interchanges and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ano Petralona | Athens | |
| Plateia Davaki | Kallithea | |
| Lofos Filaretou | ||
| Stavros Niarchos | OnStavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center and with possible interchange withTram at Delta Falirou.[41][42] |
The northern extension may consist initially of a 4.0 km (2.5 mi) line (Anthoupoli to Agios Nikolaos) in 2031, with intermediate stations at Palatiani andIlion (forLine 4). With a second phase (Aghios Nikolaos - Acharnai) , with intermediate stations atKamatero andZefyri (forAthens Suburban Railway trains).[43][44]
| Station | Municipality | Interchanges and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Palatiani | Ilion | |
| Ilion | Interchange withLine 4. | |
| Agios Nikolaos | "Agios Nikolaos" is a provisional name for a planned station along the eponymous road. Not to be confusedAghios Nikolaos ofLine 1 | |
| Kamatero | Agioi Anargyroi-Kamatero | |
| Zefyri | Fyli | Interchange with theAthens Suburban Railway. |
| Aharnai | Acharnes | The station is known as "Aharnai" according the current plans.[45] |
The southern extension may consist of a 4.4 km (2.7 mi) line fromElliniko toGlyfada, with intermediate stations at Ano Glyfada and Grigoriou Lampraki.[46][47]
| Station | Municipality | Interchanges and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ano Glyfada | Glyfada | |
| Grigoriou Lampraki | "Grigoriou Lampraki" is a provisional name for a planned station at the junction with the eponymous road andVouliagmenis Avenue. | |
| Glyfada | Interchange with theAthens Tram atPlatia Vaso Katraki. |
On 15 November 2008, Greek newspaperTa Nea reported that the Greek government was considering a circular line from Ano Ilisia to Faros, viaDafni andEleonas, as part of a "100 km (62 mi)" network.[48] This proposal evolved to form part of what is now the long-term Athens Metro Future Regulatory Plan (or theSouflias plan)[49] on 13 April 2009, which called for an 220 km (140 mi) network of eight lines and 200 stations.[50][51]
The Souflias plan was last revised in January 2012,[52] and saw limited activity until October 2020, whenElliniko Metro announced that they were reconsidering some extensions from the plan, including the extension ofLine 1 fromKifissia toNea Erythraia, the extensions ofLine 2 toAno Liosia andGlyfada and Line 6 fromMelissia toPerama. In December 2021, a part of the southern branch of Line 6 was reconsidered as a branch ofLine 1 fromThiseio to theSNFCC inKallithea, with intermediate stations at Hamosternas, Plateia Davaki, and Lofos Filaretou.[53][14]
Planned Line 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Originally considered by the Souflias plan as line 7, but since the consideration of new branches for line 4 it has been reappeared and been renamed to line 5 and its part fromAkadimia toEvangelismos being considered as an part ofLine 4 with the lines spliting inEvangelismos, the line 4 part continuing until Goudi and the Line 5 one until Kalamaki.[54][55][49]
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