Ticket barriers operating at just six metro stations
Although new barriers that work with the recently launched electronic transport tickets were due to be activated at all metro stations in Athens on Wednesday, just six were in operation.
Transport authorities hope to activate the barriers at a minimum of one more station by the end of this year.
Despite the delay in activating the barriers, officials have already seen a positive impact at the stations where they have been in operation.
For example, more electronic tickets have been validated at Doukissis Plakentias metro station, which has active barriers, than at Omonia or Syntagma in central Athens, which are the network’s busiest stops.
In a bid to raise awareness about the electronic tickets, authorities have launched a campaign that includes making assistants available to show commuters how to issue and reload their tickets at automatic tellers located at stops and stations throughout the capital.
The Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA) has also made cards that are pre-loaded with 10 or five tickets at 700 points of sale, including kiosks.
The 10-journey cards contain credits for an extra, 11th, commute free of charge.
