New metro trains may cost dear
From mid-July, less than a month before the opening ceremony for the Summer Olympics, travelers will be able to get from central Syntagma Square to the Spata airport by metro trains in about half an hour, officials said yesterday. Transport Minister Michalis Liapis yesterday went for a brief ride on one of the new trains, which will use the urban rail tracks to cover the 11 kilometers from the end of the metro line at the yet-to-be delivered Doukissis Plakentias station to the airport. The trains will carry up to 1,000 people and be fitted with luggage racks as well as ensuring access for the disabled and being air-conditioned. However, sources said yesterday that the ticket for the 30-minute trip will cost 6 or 7 euros. Currently, the only way to get to the airport by public transport is to take an express bus from one of six terminuses in various parts of Athens. From Syntagma, the ride takes an average 40 minutes, and costs 2.90 euros. Meanwhile, from the end of June metro workers will carry out security checks on objects that have been left on platforms. And a total of 416 CCTV cameras will be installed in the metro network.
