Thessaloniki Metro, Base Line
The Thessaloniki Metro Base Project is divided in terms of funding into two separate projects, namely:
Project 1: “Thessaloniki Metro Base Line – Preliminary Works and First Tunnel Boring Section”. Project 1 is a bridging project between the 3rd CSF 2000-2006 and NSRF 2007-2013.
Project 2: “Thessaloniki Metro Base Line – Construction works”, Phase Α (NSRF 2007-2013, Regional Operational Programme “MACEDONIA-THRACE”) and Phase Β (NSRF 2014-2020, Operational Programme “INFRASTRUCTURE, ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT”). Project 2 was phased into the financial and physical scope between two programming periods in line with the EU guidelines.
The total physical scope of Thessaloniki Metro Base Project (Project 1 and 2), as integrated in the Operational Programme Operations, wherefrom the project is co-funded, includes the construction of a 9.6 km long metro line (extending from the New Railway Station to Nea Elvetia and the Depot) with thirteen (13) Metro stations (New Railway Station, Dimokratias, Venizelou, Aghia Sofia, Sintrivani / Expo, Panepistimio, Papafi, Efklidis, Fleming, Analipsi, 25 Martiou, Voulgari, Nea Elvetia), one (1) depot of 50,000 m2 in Pylea, and the supply of 24 trains.
Budget: The total approved budget of the subject project is € 1,534 billion (VAT not included) (719 million for Project 1 and 815 million for Project 2).
Feasibility (necessity / anticipated benefits):
Thessaloniki is a city faced with intense problems in various fields (transportation, traffic, parking and environment). Only 30% of the overall transportation in the city is performed by bus, which is the only available means of pubic transport, as Thessaloniki is the only city in the European Union with a population over 1 million citizens which does not have a Fixed Route Mode of Transport. As a result, traffic problems are severe in the city where the average speed in road arteries during rush hours almost equals that of the walking speed (6 km/hour), while in the central areas of Thessaloniki 50% of the vehicles park illegally.
Thessaloniki has also the highest atmospheric pollution as compared to the large and medium sized cities of the European Union, since the air content in small suspended particles exceeds the maximum permissible threshold (50μg/m3) 205 days per year. Upon completion of the project, these problems will be addressed, while a high quality system of urban modes of transport offering a high level of quality and safety shall be provided to the city. In addition, the project shall ensure the environmental upgrading of the area surrounding the metro by reducing the environmental indices of noise and CO2 emissions through less congested urban road sections of the central area of the city, a fact that will significantly strengthen viable urban mobility in the urban cluster of Thessaloniki.
The anticipated project benefits include: reduction of road accidents and their impact, as a result of the Metro operation. Reduction of transportation cost for those currently using their private vehicles or taxis. Reduction of the operational cost of OASTH buses due to the decongestion of the city’s arteries, as a result of the operation of the Metro. Time saving for those currently using their private vehicles, taxis and OASTH buses.
Extension of the Thessaloniki Metro to Kalamaria
The Extension of the Thessaloniki Metro to Kalamaria is co-funded by the EU as a phased project between two Program Periods NSRF 2007-2013, the Regional Operational Programme “MACEDONIA-THRACE” (Phase Α) and NSRF 2014-2020, Operational Programme “INFRASTRUCTURE, ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT” (Phase Β).
The total physical scope, as integrated in the Operational Programme Operations wherefrom the project is funded, includes the construction of a 4.8 long metro line, as an extension of the Thessaloniki Metro Base Line, from Patrikiou Station up to the southeastern end of the municipality of Kalamaria, including 5 new Metro stations: Nomarchia, Kalamaria, Aretsou, Nea Krini, Micra. The project also includes the supply of 9 trains.
Budget: The total approved budget of the subject project is € 570 billion (VAT not included)
Feasibility (necessity / anticipated benefits):
Thessaloniki is a city faced with intense problems in various fields (transportation, traffic, parking and environment). Only 30% of the overall transportation in the city is performed by bus, which is the only available means of pubic transport, as Thessaloniki is the only city in the European Union with a population over 1 million citizens which does not have a Fixed Route Mode of Transport. As a result, traffic problems are severe in the city where the average speed in road arteries during rush hours almost equals that of the walking speed (6 km/hour), while in the central areas of Thessaloniki 50% of the vehicles park illegally.
Thessaloniki has also the highest atmospheric pollution as compared to the large and medium sized cities of the European Union, since the air content in small suspended particles exceeds the maximum permissible threshold (50μg/m3) 205 days per year.
The operation of the project shall upgrade the social and financial status of the geographical area it serves, both directly and indirectly. By way of example, it will upgrade the transport infrastructure of the urban cluster of Kalamaria, it will decongest the urban cluster of Kalamaria, currently faced with intense traffic problems, it will diminish the operational cost of OASTH buses, as a result of their anticipated reduced use, it will serve new passengers while the increased use of public transportation will entail a reduction in the kms run by private vehicles, it will reduce primary and secondary pollutants in the atmosphere, it will reduce road accidents and, in general, it will upgrade the quality of life in Kalamaria by also increasing employment.
