Public Transport in Greece Gets Cheaper

Public transport in Greece just got cheaper after the government slashed VAT in efforts to recover losses incurred during the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.

Indicatively, the fares – applicable on all Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA) means – are now 1.20 euros down from 1.40 euros with reduced tickets at .50 cents.

Thessaloniki, bus tickets cost 90 cents down from 1 euro.

A three-day tourist bundle costs 20 euros, while the unified metro-airport ticket costs 9 euros.

Intercity bus tickets to Thessaloniki now cost 54 euros roundtrip and 36 euros one-way.

Ferry ticket prices to Spetses island outside Athens are now set at 38.73 euros; the fare to Mytilene island is set at 49.20 euros seat included.

An airline ticket to Iraklion, Crete roundtrip costs 112 euros from 123 euros.

The reduced rates will apply until October 31.

Public transport suffered a 96 percent drop in traffic due to Covid-19 lockdown measures and a 90 percent decline in revenue.

The Greek transport ministry approved the new fares for all public transport bringing the rates down by 14.2 percent to 2014 levels as part of its public support measures which include reducing VAT on tickets from 24 percent to 13 percent.

It should be noted that earlier this year before the coronavirus outbreak, OASA recorded a 13 percent rise in revenues and sales to 29.6 million euros against 26.2 million euros in 2019. In the months that followed, impacted by the lockdown measures losses amounted to 25 million euros (March-April).

Meanwhile, as of today (June 1) holders of rechargeable ATH.ENA cards who prepaid but did not use between March 11 and May 4 and still have under 30 days credit will receive a full month’s worth of credit, while those with a balance of more than 30 days will receive credit for the entire lockdown period.

Returns will be credited via OASA vending machines and can be used in the next 24 months.

Annual cards can be purchased with an additional 10 percent discount.

It should be noted that face masks must be worn when traveling on metro, trains, buses, trolleys and tram cars. Passengers must also maintain social distancing at all times and avoid overcrowding. Drivers and other public transport staff are also required to wear a face mask.