Thessaloniki has officially inaugurated Greece’s first fully automated metro system, marking a significant advancement in the country’s public transportation infrastructure. The new metro line, which stretches 10 kilometers and features 13 stations, commenced operations from the Pylaia depot located in the southern part of the city. This ambitious project is managed by ATM Group through its subsidiary, Thema, which is 51% owned by ATM and 49% by the French engineering firm Egis. Thema secured this noteworthy contract, valued at €250 million and spanning 11 years, in June 2023.
The opening ceremony saw the presence of key government officials, including Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Staikouras, and Deputy Minister Nikolaos Tachiaos. Representatives from the ATM Group were also in attendance, including President Gioia Ghezzi and CEO Arrigo Giana.
Gioia Ghezzi emphasized the significance of the Thessaloniki metro in the broader strategy for the ATM Group’s growth, highlighting the essential role public transport plays in urban development. “The opening of the Thessaloniki metro represents another milestone in our growth strategy,” she stated. “It promotes social, economic, and cultural exchanges, allowing citizens to move sustainably and collaboratively”. CEO Arrigo Giana echoed these sentiments, noting that the launch reinforces the international footprint of the ATM Group, which now operates seven automated metro systems across Milan, Copenhagen, and Thessaloniki. “This achievement consolidates our expertise and commitment to providing the best public transport service to all citizens,” he remarked.
The new metro line traverses Thessaloniki from east to west in approximately 18 minutes. It is expected to cater to around 313,000 passengers daily, significantly reducing the city’s carbon footprint by eliminating the need for about 57,000 cars and cutting down 212 tons of CO2 emissions. Beyond its practical benefits for residents and tourists, the metro holds cultural significance as well, particularly at the Venizelou station, which houses the largest outdoor museum within a metro system, showcasing artifacts from the Roman era.
The metro features 18 trains operating at three-minute intervals, ensuring accessibility for all users. Enhanced security measures include continuous video surveillance monitored by a control room that operates daily. Looking ahead, plans are in place to extend the metro by an additional five stations towards Kalamaria by 2025, further improving connectivity with 33 trains running at one-and-a-half-minute intervals.
In addition to managing five metro lines in Milan, including two automated routes, ATM operates four automated lines in Copenhagen. The company is also set to launch a new Light Rail system in Copenhagen in 2025, expanding its influence in the public transport sector.