New Rules for Travel by Rail and Bus in Greece post-Covid-19

New health protocols to ensure that travel by rail and on buses throughout Greece is carried out as safely as possible for passengers and crew, during the post-Covid-19 period, were announced by the Greek Transport Ministry on Saturday. The protocols come as Greece is lifting the measure that currently restricts citizens to their home prefectures and allow travel throughout the country on the mainland, as well as travel to the islands of Crete and Evia (by car, rail, bus).

It is noted that only 50 percent of the capacity of trains and buses (KTEL intercity buses, tourist coaches and private buses), can be covered. This rule will be reviewed by May 31, based on the course of the pandemic.

The following measures will take effect from Monday, May 18 until Sunday, May 31.

• Face masks are mandatory for all passengers and staff members.
• The use of mobile apps, where available, is encouraged for booking travel tickets.
• Passengers must maintain a distance of 1 to 1.5 meters from one another in the waiting areas of bus and train stations and when boarding a bus or train.

Service providers must:

• Inform passengers about hygiene rules and personal protection measures.
• Provide their staff with the necessary personal protective equipment (mask, gloves, alcohol antiseptic).
• Clean and disinfect passenger areas and contact points and machinery with special antiseptics.

The measures are in line with information and instructions from EODY, Greece’s public health organization, to avoid the transmission and spread of the coronavirus in Greece.