site.btaMore Athens Residents Use Public Transport amid Rising Fuel Prices

More and more Athens residents are using public transport amid rising fuel prices, the online edition of the Greek daily Kathimerini reported on Wednesday, citing data from STASY, the company operating the metro, electric railway and tram networks in the Greek capital.

The use of urban rail transport in Athens increased in May, while fare evasion violations decreased despite a significant rise in inspections, the publication said.

The total number of validated tickets on the metro, electric railway and tram networks reached 20.8 million in May, up 2.64% from the same month last year. The largest increase was recorded in tram transport. In January-May, the total number of validated trips across the network rose by 5.74%.

According to STASY, the trend is partly due to higher fuel prices, which are encouraging more residents of the Greek capital to use public transport.

In May, the company also stepped up inspections. The number of checks increased by nearly 41% compared with the same month last year. The number of detected violations fell by 4.21%.

Higher penalties for travelling without a ticket have also been in force since May 30. The fine for passengers without a valid full-fare ticket has been increased from EUR 72 to EUR 100, while passengers entitled to reduced fares who travel without a valid transport document face a EUR 50 fine.