Tramlines to run further
The Transport Ministry has announced plans for the second phase of Athens’s new tram service. It is to be completed by 2008 and is budgeted at 240 million euros. The first 24 kilometers (15 miles) are due for completion early next year. According to the head of the ministry’s panel of experts, Yiannis Polyzos, «all possible alternative routes» are being examined after protests from local residents were encountered during the initial phase. The proposals are to be submitted to local government authorities for a public debate. For the Syntagma – Ano Patissia route, three alternatives are being considered for the section between Hafteia (Omonia) and Ano Patissia. Two alternatives have been suggested for the Neo Faliron – Piraeus route. For the Larissis Station – University Campus line, alternatives are being considered for the section between Alexandras and Thivon avenues. Finally for the Syntagma – Kaisariani line, three different ways are being considered to link Vassilissis Constantinou Avenue with Pangrati.
