The extension of the Athens suburban railway to Piraeus, which creates a rail connection between the country’s main port and Athens International Airport, was inaugurated yesterday.

The route from central Athens to Piraeus, experienced by Transport Minister Michalis Liapis yesterday during a test run, covers 7.5 kilometers, takes 18 minutes and costs 70 cents.

But the route that has triggered the most enthusiasm is the service between the airport and Piraeus which takes 50 minutes and costs 6 euros. The service runs once every hour, with the frequency of trips set to increase.

“As the tourist season begins, our country’s major port has been connected to its largest airport,” Liapis said.

The station at Piraeus and three new stops – Lefka, Rendi and Rouf – all facilitate access for the disabled.

In a separate development, police in Attica arrested three suspected members of a ring believed to have been selling forged monthly travel cards for public transport over the past four years.