- Athens Metro operated 5,172 more services during the first ten months of 2026 than in the same period last year.
- 1,076 new buses, including 365 electric vehicles, are now operating in Attica.
- The average bus fleet age has fallen from 17 years in 2019 to nine years today.
- Greece plans to acquire another 500 new buses by 2030.
Athens public transport has recorded a measurable increase in services during 2026, with the government reporting more Metro journeys, shorter waiting times and a substantial renewal of the capital’s bus fleet.
Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Giorgos Kotsiras, speaking to SKAI radio on Friday, said the improvements were visible both in the number of services operated and in passenger waiting times.
According to Kotsiras, the three Athens Metro lines operated 5,172 more services during the first ten months of 2026 than during the corresponding period of 2025.
More Metro services, maintenance underway
Particular attention was given to Line 1, where October 2026 was described as the best month in several years for the number of services operated. The return of the first refurbished train to passenger service contributed to the improvement.
Maintenance work is also continuing on Line 1 as well as Lines 2 and 3.
The government says the aim is not simply to improve current services but to invest in the infrastructure and rolling stock needed for more reliable public transportation in the longer term.
More than 1,000 new buses now operating
The renewal of the Athens-area bus fleet is also continuing.
According to the ministry, 1,076 new buses are currently operating in Attica, including 365 electric buses. The average age of the fleet has fallen from 17 years in 2019 to approximately nine years today.
A further 500 new buses are planned by 2030.
The government is also putting emphasis on drivers and training. A new O.SY. driving school was inaugurated on Thursday, while the number of model bus routes has recently increased from 15 to 20, with the stated aim of reducing waiting times and improving passenger service.
More ticket inspections
Fare enforcement has also increased.
Inspections on Metro Lines 1, 2 and 3 are reportedly 43% higher than last year, while inspections on buses have increased by approximately 10%.
Kotsiras said the increase in inspections has been accompanied by a small but measurable decline in fines, which the ministry interprets as evidence that passengers are becoming more compliant when they know inspections are more frequent.
What this means for visitors
For travelers arriving in Athens, public transport performance is more than a local issue. The Metro connects the airport and central Athens with major tourist areas, while the bus network fills important gaps between Metro stations and neighborhoods.
More frequent services and newer vehicles should make getting around the capital easier, although the real test will be whether the improvements translate into consistently shorter waiting times and fewer disruptions over the long term.