The Municipality of Hersonissos has signed an agreement with KTEL Heraklion-Lasithi to introduce a free municipal transportation network covering all administrative districts of the municipality. The service will be available to both residents and visitors, with operating costs fully funded by the municipality.
The agreement, signed at Hersonissos Town Hall in Gournes by Mayor Zacharias Doxastakis and KTEL Heraklion-Lasithi President Manolis Chachlioutis, will remain in force until 2028, with the possibility of an extension.
Eight Routes Will Connect Communities
The new system includes eight transportation routes designed to improve mobility throughout the municipality.
Services will operate on separate winter and summer schedules, allowing transportation planners to adjust capacity according to seasonal demand. Individual routes will range from 40 to 56 kilometers in length, connecting communities across all municipal units.
Officials say the network was designed to improve daily transportation options for residents while also supporting visitors who may not have access to a private vehicle.
For many villages and smaller communities, the service could provide easier access to municipal services, commercial centers, healthcare facilities, and tourism areas.
No Ticket Required
One of the program’s most significant features is that passengers will not pay fares.
Instead, the municipality will cover operating expenses through its regular budget, making the service accessible to everyone regardless of age, income, or residency status.
The total contract value amounts to €348,206.66 and includes no provisions for fare increases since users will not be charged for travel.
At a time when transportation costs continue to rise across Europe, the initiative offers a rare example of a local authority removing rather than adding costs for residents.
Supporting Sustainable Mobility
Municipal leaders say the project is about more than convenience. The initiative encourages sustainable transportation and reduces dependence on private vehicles, particularly during the busy tourism season when traffic congestion places additional pressure on local roads.
Mayor Zacharias Doxastakis described the agreement as an important step toward creating a more accessible municipality.
“With today’s signing, we are taking a significant step toward a more functional, more people-oriented, and more accessible municipality, while fulfilling a meaningful and necessary commitment to our residents and the surrounding area,” he said.
He added that the free transportation network fulfills a commitment made to residents, particularly those living in inland communities that often face transportation challenges:
“Free intra-municipal public transportation supports residents, facilitates travel throughout the municipality’s administrative boundaries, and reduces our environmental footprint. We continue with projects that have a real impact on daily life and meet the needs of our community.”
Benefits for Residents and Tourism
The new service is expected to generate benefits beyond everyday commuting.
For residents, free transportation can reduce household expenses and improve access to services across the municipality.
For visitors, the network may offer an alternative to rental cars, helping tourists explore different parts of Hersonissos while reducing traffic and parking pressures during the summer season.
The environmental benefits could also be significant if even a modest percentage of travelers choose public transportation instead of renting a car.