New Attica Transportation Strategic Plan will reshape Attica, officials say at multi-level meeting

ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ

Θα λύσουν το δραματικό πρόβλημα της κίνησης στους δρόμους; Επιπλέον 35 νέα λεωφορεία στην Αττική προανήγγειλε ο Χρήστος Σταϊκούρας* Στα 250 ανέρχεται πλέον ο στόλος των αστικών συγκοινωνιών

Ο ΟΑΣΑ επανασχεδιάζει τον συγκοινωνιακό χάρτη της Αττικής για την επόμενη 20ετία * Καλεί τους πολίτες να πάρουν μέρος στην έρευνα για τις συνήθειες μετακίνησής τους

Χρήστος Σταϊκούρας στη συνεδρίαση του συντονιστικού συμβουλίου Θεσσαλονίκης για τον Fly Over: Ισχύει απαρέγκλιτα η ημερομηνία ολοκλήρωσης του έργου

A comprehensive plan of actions to upgrade quality of life for citizens, promote sustainable mobility, and boost green transport is part of the Strategic Plan for Attica Transport, beind drafted by OASA, the organization responsible for the Athens public transportation network.

The plan concerns improvements over the next 20 years, after recording the existing situation in public transportation in Attica, through extensive research in all municipalities. The research, which is ongoing, includes households and people at stations and stops of the Athens Metro, tram, buses, and trolleys, as well as at ports and airports. Also participating are taxi drivers and freight transport companies.

In this context, a meeting was held on Tuesday (Oct. 15) on “Designing Attica’s New Transportation Map Together”, held at the Infrastructure & Transport Ministry with the help of OASA and Growthfund-The National Fund of Greece for state-owned enterprises. All Attica municipalities participated, along with related agencies, in order to be briefed and actively contribute to the new Map.

“We need a well-thought-out plan, which can implement the right strategy in organizing urban mobility: a strategy that will move along the lines on which the entire European transport system will move, in order to achieve its targets on climate and competitiveness,” Infrastructure & Transport Minister Christos Staikouras said.

Staikouras also referred to the Draghi report, which underlines the need for transport sector to go carbonless, as well as boosting public transportation and improving infrastructure. Promoting sustainable urban mobility appears to be the most effective solution to reducing air pollution in cities, the minister added. “In tandem, therefore, with the necessary projects and interventions, a new mentality of urban mobility needs to develop as well,” Staikouras pointed out, noting that the Strategic Plan for Attica Transport will be drafted taking into account future social and economic trends, as well as developments in services and technology in public transportation.

The Infrastructure & Transport Ministry is implementing a multilevel plan to boost public transport in Attica, with short- and long-term benefits such as the following:

– The urban bus fleet is being upgraded.

– Some 250 new buses using nonpolluting technology have been put in circulation in Attica, with a target of raising their number to 950 in the summer of 2025. The ministry is also seeking funding for another 700 buses and trolleys.

– New pilot services are being implemented, including contactless payment by passengers.

– The Athens Metro network is being expanded.

– Trains are being upgraded.

– Micro-mobility will be boosted (e.g. electric bicycles and scooters).

These will upgrade services for the public and constitute a legacy for the future, Staikouras said.

Also speaking at the meeting was Deputy Transport Minister Vassilis Economy, who thanked municipalities and social agencies for responding and participating in the event, and Deputy Infrastructure Minister Nikos Tachiaos, who underlined that all governments have implemented long-term planning in the sector, with the payoff far into the future. He cited Attiki Odos highway as an example that was planned and implemented by different governments.

Source: ANA – MPA

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