Ticket inspections on Athens metro, buses intensify
Checks at 16 metro and bus stops have begun with the aim of boosting ticket revenues, which have fallen this year according to the latest figures from the Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA).
Authorities said the aim of the inspections is to reduce fare dodging and prevent a rise in ticket prices next year.
It is estimated that OASA and the Proastiakos suburban railway lose 31.5 million euros to fare dodging each year. OASA said ticket revenues were down 8.5 percent in the first seven months of the year.
However, the organization?s finances showed an overall improvement. The operational costs of the public transport network fell by 17 percent, largely on the back of wage reductions. This left OASA with an operational surplus of 15 million euros by the end of July, although state subsidies had also increased slightly.
