OASA is proceeding with the redesign of the transport map of Attica, with the preparation of the new strategic transport plan.

According to the Organization, the aim is to redefine the operation of the transport system of the capital for the next twenty years, with an emphasis on the interoperability of MMM. That is, buses, trolleys, subways, trams and electric cars should operate in addition to each other based on the current transportation needs of the citizens of the capital.

The existing urban transport network is based on data from 2009 travel demand and destination origin studies, based on the then social, economic and transport conditions of Attica. Consequently, recording, updating and analyzing today’s data is absolutely necessary.

OASA investigation underway – citizen participation essential

However, an important condition for this is – as officials of the Organization emphasize – the active participation of the citizens of the capital in the extensive investigation of the OASA which is ongoing and will be conducted at least, in 36,600 households, 71,200 commuters in metro, tram, bus and trolley stations and trains, but also in ports and airports. In fact, taxi drivers and freight transport companies are participating in this large survey.

In particular, questionnaires will be collected that will cover 1% of the households of each municipality of Attica, recording the socio-economic characteristics, combined with the travel habits of the residents.

With the help of the questionnaire and the processing of anonymized data, the real demand for all means of public transport will be determined, the needs for new destinations will be assessed and the new trends in urban mobility will be examined.

In fact, in mid-October, at a special event to be held at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the OASA proposals for the “Strategic Transport Plan of Attica” will be presented to the municipalities.

Among these proposals are also included “standard sidewalks”, bike lanes, parking spots, chargers for electric vehicles, micromobility vehicles, etc. In addition to MMM, taxis will also be included in the transport map since specific locations for squares will also be included.

Giorgos Spiliopoulos: MMM should become the first choice for the movement of the citizens of Athens

“The Strategic Transport Plan of Attica will contribute to the creation of a new transport system in the capital, focused on public urban transport for the next twenty years. Therefore, the active participation of citizens in the research conducted for this purpose is very important”, said the managing director of OASA, Giorgos Spiliopoulos, to APE-MPE.

According to Mr. Spiliopoulos, OASA’s vision is for MMM to become the first choice for the movement of the citizens of Athens. In this context, “we are methodically implementing with specific planning the plan to improve transportation services to the passenger public”.

The implementation of the contactless payment system by bank card in the MMMs of the capital is also moving in this direction.

By the end of the year, all passengers will have the alternative of paying by bank card or their mobile phone or digital wallet, at a cancellation machine/entry-exit gate, on all means of transport.

Tap&Pay: 10% of MMM passengers pay by bank card

Currently, the pilot program is “running” on the buses of the Express lines of the Athens International Airport (X93, X95, X96, X97), with data showing that 10% of passengers now use a bank card for boarding.

The contactless transaction system will be extended from Christmas onwards, to all MMMs, without this meaning that the simple “paper” ticket will not be available for use.

In the next phase the system has its ability account based ticketingwhere every passenger can create an account and use it to make card and ticket purchases, and Mobility-as-a-Service services will also be added. This means that the user who is in Neo Faliro can get on the electric train and get off in Omonia where he will have already “booked” the continuation of his taxi route through known applications. Or transfer to the metro and get off at the Acropolis, having already bought a ticket for the museum without having to stand in line. Another application that OASA has, but has not been digitized, is the well-known in town check in service, which enables the passenger, arriving in Piraeus, to release his bags, which are sent to the airport, and to browse easily with MMM in the city, but having a ticket to the airport as well.