After seven decades on the streets of the capital, Athens trolleys are preparing to go through history. The Deputy Minister of Transport, Konstantinos Kyranakis, Speaking to SKAI on the morning of Tuesday, August 27, he explained the rationale of the decision to withdraw the iconic public transport, which was inextricably linked to the daily life of the city.
Why are the trolleys withdraw
According to Mr. Kyranakis, the evolution of technology makes trolleys less necessary than in the past.
“As the years go by and technology is evolving we have electric buses. The technology that enabled vehicles to move via cables is no longer as necessary as they used to be, “he said.
The gradual abolition will include: During the cables from the sky of the Athens and Piraeus Center, withdrawal of older vehicles, which have high maintenance costs and maintaining about 100 most modern trolleys, which will continue to operate itineraries for a transitional period.
The minister noted that the trolley operating costs are almost twice as much compared to the buses: “Instead of two trolleys we can buy three buses and increase the frequency of routes,” he said.
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What will happen to drivers
Particular emphasis was placed on the issue of drivers’ employment. Mr Kiranakis assured that no one was going to lose his job. As he said: “Drivers will be absorbed by OSY. Those who currently serve the trolleys will be transported to the buses. They have nothing to worry about, “he made it clear. Trolleys, which began their operation in the 1950s, have been one of the most characteristic means of travel in the city for decades.