thens is set to expand its network of high-frequency bus routes from 15 to 20 starting October 1, following a 13.6% reduction in peak-hour intervals on the existing routes during the first half of 2026.
The reduction, compared with the same period in 2025, means buses are running more frequently and passengers are spending less time waiting at stops, according to an announcement by Greece’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
The results of the first six months have prompted the Athens Urban Transport Organization to expand the program, adding five more bus routes to the network.
Five new high-frequency routes
The five new routes will receive additional buses, with peak-hour intervals expected to remain below 12 minutes. The aim is to extend more frequent service to a larger part of the network, particularly during periods of high passenger demand.
Infrastructure and Transport Alternate Minister Giorgos Kotsiras said the reduction in waiting times on heavily used bus routes was a measurable result of efforts to improve urban transportation.
“Less waiting time and more frequent services mean better service and a meaningful improvement in citizens’ daily lives,” Kotsiras said.
OASA CEO Antonis Kerastaris said the organization was expanding what he described as a successful program across the network of the Urban Transport Organization (OSY).
From October 1, the five new routes will join the existing 15, with similar operating characteristics and peak-hour intervals of no more than 12 minutes. Kerastaris said the expanded network would serve approximately 50% of passengers.
The 15 routes in the first phase
The routes included in the first phase are:
- 3: Nea Filadelfeia – Ano Patisia – Neo Psychiko
- 5: Lamprini – Syntagma – Tzitzifies
- 14: Lamprini – Alexandras Avenue – Geriokomeio
- 040: Piraeus – Syntagma
- 224: Kaisariani – Eleftheriou Venizelou
- 550: Palaio Faliro – Kifisia
- 608: Galatsi – Academy – Zografou Cemetery
- 703: Piraeus – Agioi Anargyroi – Agios Eleftherios via Thivon
- 843: Piraeus – Perama
- A2: Academy – Voula via Amfitheas Avenue
- A5: Academy – Agia Paraskevi – Anthousa
- A7: Stournari – Kifisia, Platanos Square
- A8: Polytechnic – Nea Ionia – Marousi
- A13: Omonia – Kifissos
- B5: Larissis Station – Alexandras Avenue – Agia Paraskevi
Five routes added in the second phase
The five routes being added on October 1 are:
- 051: Kifissos Intercity Bus Station – Omonia via Plato’s Academy, circular
- 214: Zoodochos Pigis – Academy, circular
- 732: Ilion – Agios Fanourios – Academy, circular
- 822: Agios Antonios Station – Nea Zoi, circular
- A15: Larisis Station – Dasos
More frequent metro and tram services
The expansion of the bus network follows changes to other public transportation services introduced with the winter schedule on September 11.
During peak hours, Line 1 of the Athens electric railway returned to a frequency of 6.5 minutes, while Metro Line 2 operates every 4.5 minutes and Line 3 every four minutes.
For the tram, Line 6 now operates every 7.5 minutes, compared with nine minutes in 2025, while Line 7 operates every nine minutes, compared with 12 minutes in 2025.
Source: tovima.com
