Trains stationed at Thessaloniki metro's depot on November 22, 2024. CNN
The northern Greek city of Thessaloniki welcomed its brand-new metro system on Saturday, as thousands of residents braved cold and rainy weather to experience the highly anticipated driverless trains. The single 13-station subway line was packed with eager passengers thrilled to finally see the city’s vision for modern transportation come to life.
The official launch was marked by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, alongside President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and Transport Minister Christos Staikouras. With the push of a blue button, the metro system was officially set into motion, representing a milestone decades in the making.
Mitsotakis recalled the long history of the project, noting that the initial budget for exploratory digging was allocated back in 1976. However, the metro faced numerous delays over the years due to legal disputes, canceled contracts, and debates about station locations, particularly around significant archaeological sites. A banner at the city’s trade fair in 1999 optimistically promised that the metro was “coming soon,” but progress remained stalled for years.
One major hurdle involved the archaeological discoveries unearthed during construction. Over 300,000 artifacts were uncovered, including the remains of a bustling 6th-century street lined with shops, found deep beneath the Eleftherios Venizelos station. The temporary removal of many artifacts for tunneling work sparked protests, but today, visitors can view some of these treasures within the station or under protective glass displays outside.
Despite the setbacks, the metro project was finally completed at a cost exceeding €3 billion. Its operation is expected to transform transportation in Thessaloniki, reducing traffic congestion by taking approximately 57,000 cars off the roads daily. Officials anticipate that the metro will serve around 254,000 passengers each day in a metropolitan area of over a million people, including suburbs.
This archaeological site can be found within Thessaloniki's Venizelou metro station. CNN
The metro's benefits extend beyond smoother commutes. The system showcases a harmonious blend of modern infrastructure and cultural preservation, with its stations acting as gateways to the city’s rich history. Passengers can immerse themselves in the artifacts and stories of ancient Thessaloniki while enjoying the convenience of state-of-the-art transportation.
Plans are already underway to expand the metro. An eastward extension featuring five additional stations is set to open by 2025, and a westward extension is also in the pipeline. However, it may take several more years for the metro to connect to the city’s Macedonia Airport, ensuring the project’s ongoing evolution.
Thessaloniki’s metro is more than just a transportation system; it’s a symbol of resilience and progress, bringing the city closer to a future where its historic charm coexists with modern efficiency.
