Athens plans to expand subway infrastructure by one-third to reduce car traffic
The project to introduce a fourth metro in the Greek capital began in 2021 with the aim of reducing the need for cars in the congested city. The new 15-station line is estimated to carry 340,000 passengers per day, potentially taking up to 53,000 cars off the road per day. Although the line may not open for five years, work has now begun to renovate the seven city squares that will serve as stations. Despite public support for the plan, the project has also caused some controversy, with residents fearing gentrification.
Athens’ current metro infrastructure provides reliable transportation between the airport and the ferry port of Pylos. Other public transport options include a tram line that runs along the city’s coastline. Still, some densely populated areas, such as the city’s university on the slopes of Mount Hymetus, do not benefit from subway access and have few bus stops.
The Line 4 project creates a U-shape across the northern part of the city and aims to fill these gaps in public transportation. The project will eventually include 35 new stations, with 15 stations scheduled to be built by 2023. These first 15 stations will carry 340,000 passengers per day, significantly reducing residents’ dependence on commuting by private car, according to Athens metro company Elliniko Metro.
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The Athens authorities have also organized a design competition for four squares above Akadimia, Alexandras, Dikastiria and Kypseli stations. In November 2023, the competition ended with successful bids by Tense Architecture Network in Dikastiria, XZA Architects in Alexandras, Apostolopoulos-Tasoulis in Academia and Fiore Architects in Kypseli.
According to a Bloomberg report, the design suggests minimal intervention, but some residents argue that subway construction could threaten urban greenery and mature trees, which are already in short supply. They are concerned that it may pose a threat to existing public spaces. Exarcheia is an area notorious for clashes with authorities and a favorite location for many asylum seekers, but residents are also concerned that infrastructure plans will accelerate gentrification.
Public transport has become an important topic in the world of urban planning, and several internationally recognized architecture firms are working on projects to repair and expand elements of transport infrastructure. Recently, Foster + Partners released its latest design for the redesign of the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan, and MAD Architects completed a major redesign of Jiaxing Station in China.
News via Bloomberg.