On November 30, 2024, the long-awaited metro system of Thessaloniki finally opened its doors to the public, marking the end of nearly four decades of anticipation and delay. This transformative project features driverless trains operating across 13 stations and aims to modernize the city’s transportation infrastructure. Despite heavy rain, tens of thousands of eager passengers lined up at various stations, ready to be part of this historic moment.
The inauguration event was graced by the presence of Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who, along with President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and Transport Minister Christos Staikouras, pressed a ceremonial blue button to officially commence operations. Mitsotakis reflected on the lengthy timeline, stating, "The first appropriations for exploratory digging were part of the 1976 budget," underlining the arduous path leading to this day.
Years of obstacles nearly derailed the project, including legal disputes and complications arising from significant archaeological finds at the site. During the construction phase which began back in 2006, workers uncovered more than 300,000 archaeological artifacts, including remnants of ancient streets and burial sites. These treasures not only delayed the project but also sparked intense debate about how the city could modernize without sacrificing its historical heritage.
"This is not just a public works project, which is incredibly important for the city. It is also a museum," Mitsotakis emphasized before touring the intricately crafted Eleftherios Venizelos station. This station showcases many of the artifacts discovered during construction, with some pieces now displayed under protective glass.
The unique construction required tunneling much more deeply than originally planned, around 31 meters (about 102 feet) below ground. This strategic depth ensured the new infrastructure could bypass the significant archaeological layers without causing irreversible damage to these priceless finds. Among the discoveries was the 6th-century remains of Thessaloniki’s busiest street and the foundations of numerous ancient structures, offering passengers more than just transit but also a glimpse back through time.
Transport Minister Christos Staikouras noted the anticipated impact of the metro system on the city’s traffic woes, estimating it would remove around 57,000 cars off the road each day. With projections of 254,000 daily passengers from within Thessaloniki and its suburbs, the system is set to significantly ease the city’s notorious traffic congestion.
The ceremonial opening festivities included free rides for the first four days, which not only welcomed the city’s residents but also attracted tourists curious about Thessaloniki's newest attraction. After the promotional period, tickets will be sold at 0.60 euros, making public transit both affordable and accessible.
Looking forward, the government has plans for expansions of the metro system with lines extending both eastward and westward, aiming to connect more neighborhoods and eventually reach Macedonia Airport, though this could take several years to manifest. The focus remains on maintaining the balance between development and preservation of the city’s rich history.
This new metro system stands as a symbol of resilience and innovation, overcoming numerous hurdles to blend modern technology with Thessaloniki's storied past. The excitement surrounding its opening reflects the hopes of many for improved transport and the preservation of historical treasures for future generations.
