Attiko Metro (Athens Metro)

 
Athens Metro is one of the Major Infrastructure Projects presently implemented in Greece and the most complex one in the transport field. Moreover, it is ranked as one of the most important projects in Europe. The design and construction of the project has been assigned to a consortium of French, German and Greek companies, while the management of the project and the supervision of the works is performed by ATTIKO METRO A.E. Company, a legal entity of private law, which will be also responsible for the operation, exploitation and development of the system following the completion of the construction works.

The project, which is under construction, includes two underground lines 18km long and 21 stations, which are expected to serve 450,000 passengers on a daily basis in 1999, that is when the system will be commissioned. The system will be accessible to the persons with special needs.

The project funding, which amounts to ECU 2 billion, is covered up to 50% by the European Union through grants and 50% by the Greek State through loans by the European Investment Bank and sums of the Public Investment Program.
72% of the total Project has been completed. Despite the project's complexity and the adverse conditions under which it is being constructed in the center of a "difficult" city, it overcomes the problems and draws closer to its completion. A total number of 3500 employees, working in 41 worksites, at stations, tunnels and shafts, actively participate in its construction on a daily basis. Concurrently, the rolling stock and the electromechanical equipment is being manufactured at the factories. Until the present date, a total of 12 km of tunnels have been bored, 14 km of tracks have been laid, 16 stations are at the stage of the final architectural works, while the mechanical equipment in 9 of the above stations has been installed. At the same time, ATTIKO METRO has already started the preparation of the studies related to the network's extensions to Peristeri and Egaleo.

The most important positive impact of the Metro on the district of the capital and the benefits to the citizens are the following: Fast, comfortable and reliable trips; less trips by private cars (approximately 350,000 daily); less pollution; mitigation of the acute parking problem; upgrading of the areas around Metro stations; better traffic conditions; saving of time and money for the Athenians; thousands of new jobs during the construction of the project, as well as permanent jobs upon commencement of operation; new grants from EU. As a result, the citizens will enjoy better services and the city will function more efficiently, all influencing the quality of life and improving the environment of the Capital.
ATTIKO METRO - A Project for Life