Athens to add five model bus routes from October 1

A 13.6% reduction in headways during peak hours was recorded on Athens Urban Transport Organisation's (OASA’s) 15 model bus routes in the first half of 2026 compared with the corresponding period in 2025.

The result represents a significant improvement in the operation of the routes, with vehicles running more frequently and passenger waiting times reduced, CE Report informs via the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport of Greece's official website.

The six-month performance demonstrates that targeted operational planning has delivered results. Building on the positive outcome of the first phase, OASA will expand the programme from 15 to 20 bus routes as of October 1. The five new routes will be reinforced with additional vehicles, extending the benefits to a larger part of the network, with headways of less than 12 minutes and more frequent services, particularly during peak hours.

Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport George Kotsiras said: “Reducing waiting times on high-demand bus routes is a tangible result of our targeted efforts to improve urban public transport. Less time spent waiting and more frequent services mean better service and a substantial improvement in citizens’ daily lives. By increasing the number of model bus routes from 15 to 20 and reinforcing them with additional vehicles, we want the benefits to reach even more passengers, particularly during peak hours.

“We are continuing with specific interventions and measurable results to upgrade public transport. We are investing in a more modern, reliable and efficient network, with citizens at the centre and every improvement reflected in their daily journeys.”

OASA CEO Antonis Kerastaris said:

“OASA is expanding the highly successful model-route programme across the O.SY. network. From October 1, five additional routes with similar characteristics will be added to the 15 model routes already in operation, with peak-hour headways not exceeding 12 minutes. With this addition, approximately 50% of passengers will now travel on model routes, representing a significant improvement both in the time required for citizens’ daily journeys and in their overall service experience.”

The 15 model routes in the first phase

• 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 (Platanou Square)
• A8 Polytechnic – Nea Ionia – Marousi
• A13 Omonia – Kifissos
• B5 Larissis Station – Alexandras Avenue – Agia Paraskevi

The five new routes in the second phase

• 051 Kifisos Intercity Bus Station – Omonia (via Plato’s Academy) (circular)
• 214 Zoodochos Pigi – Academy (circular)
• 732 Ilion – Agios Fanourios – Academy (circular)
• 822 Agios Antonios Station – Nea Zoi (circular)
• A15 Larissis Station – Dasos

Meanwhile, with the launch of the winter timetable on September 11, during peak hours Line 1 of the Electric Railway returned to a frequency of 6.5 minutes, Line 2 of the Metro to 4.5 minutes and Line 3 to four minutes.

Similarly, for the Tram, the frequency of Line 6 is now 7.5 minutes, compared with nine minutes in 2025, while Line 7 operates every nine minutes, compared with 12 minutes previously.

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