The set of interventions by the Ministry of Transport to enhance accessibility on Public Transport was presented by Konstantinos Kyranakis in the context of the interministerial press conference on the actions to support persons with disabilities.

Mr. Kyranakis showed both the interventions that have already been implemented such as the strengthening of the fleet of special vehicles for free transportation Disabled, the universal accessibility of the PSY fleet with ramps and the implementation of the European disability card, as well as the new, integrated package of actions financed by the Social Climate Fund and already approved by the European Commission.

Accessibility is no longer a target on paper, but a measurable policy with concrete services and results, which are reflected in the everyday life of citizens.

Following is the full statement of the Deputy Minister of Transport, Constantinos Kyranakis

“The effort we are making at the Ministry of Transport – on buses, metro and railways – has a clear objective: to improve in practice the daily life of citizens and especially of our fellow citizens with disabilities, with measurable results and accountability.

In recent days we have presented interventions that are already being implemented. We have increased the fleet of special OSY vehicles available free, by appointment, to transport people with disabilities – either for work or for any daily need. The number of trips, already at 3,000, is expected to more than double.

At the same time, for the first time, the entire fleet of the PSY has ramps for carriages, and training has been completed for employees to actively support equal access. At the same time, the European disability card for free metro travel has put an end to a lengthy process for passengers.

On this basis, we are now moving forward with a comprehensive action plan, approved by the European Commission through the Social Climate Fund:

1. Strengthening the urban bus fleet

With €129 million in funding, 210 new buses are being added in Athens and Thessaloniki, with the aim of reducing waiting times by 15% and supporting areas of increased need, such as West Attica and West Thessaloniki. Completion by 2028.

2. Line 1 train upgrade

Upgrade 10 additional trains with accessible cars (ramps, special seats, wheelchair restraint systems, adapted audio announcements). Aim to reduce frequency to 5 minutes by 2028.

3. Line 1 station upgrades

Railway station upgrades

Improvements to platforms, lighting, elevators, ramps and passenger information at 24 Electric Line stations. The goal is to increase the number of daily trips by people with disabilities from 4,000 to 10,000 by 2029.

4. Supply of 12 new trains for Metro (Lines 2 & 3)

Reduction of waiting time to 3.5 minutes and a significant increase in use by people with disabilities is expected. Completion by 2029.

5. Digital guidance at metro stations

Expansion of the Acropolis pilot system to all Athens and Thessaloniki stations by 2028, with an application that mainly guides people with visual disabilities.

6. Upgrading 33 railway stations

Interventions in suburban and long-distance stations with ramps, lifts, tactile surfaces, lighting and Braille information. Work begins in 2027, completion by 2029.

7. On-demand transport services

Development of on-demand transport services in Attica, Thessaloniki and the region, serving tens of thousands of citizens (disabled, elderly, vulnerable groups) by telephone or digital reservation.

8. Social leasing of vehicles

Average subsidy of 13,000 euros, with an additional 2,000 euros for people with disabilities and an additional subsidy for the purchase of a home charger. The aim is to substantially reduce travel costs.

9. Subsidy for special type electric taxis

Subsidy of up to 29,000 euros for the purchase of accessible electric taxis, filling a significant gap in service for people with disabilities.

10. Enhancing accessibility with horizontal interventions

All over the transport network, with technological solutions, staff training and continuous improvement of services based on citizens’ needs.

This plan is not just a series of projects. It’s a conscious choice: to make transportation fairer, more accessible and more humane for all.”