A. Expansion of the network to Piraeus
Until 2010, with additional 12 terminal stops over 5,4 km the Tram will expand to Akti Posidonos while the expansion to Hatzikiriakio and Freatida and at a later phase to Keratsini, Perama and Drapetsona is under study.
The route which has been designed leading to the port of Piraeus based on the technical feasibilities, is the following: Neo Faliro- Mikras Asias- Grigoriou Labraki –Vasileos Georgiou A –Limani (Akti Posidonos)- Ethnikis Andistaseos- Omiridou Skilitsi- Stadio Irinis ke Filias.
It must be noted that the development of the tram in Piraeus is in line and in conjunction with the propositions for developing the whole network of fixed rail transportation means in the general area, which are the electric railway, the expansion of the Proastiakos which is under construction and the anticipated expansion of the Metro, in order to improve the traffic situation and reduce the levels of pollution.
For the expansion of all the phases the procurements of 25 new tram vehicles will be required while the total cost inclusive of the construction and the procurement of the vehicles is calculated to be approximately 134.000.000€. The tender for the project will be announced during October 2008.
It is anticipated that the above referenced expansion will result in an approximate increase of passenger traffic by 50-60% which means 10-12 million more passengers on annual basis, which in turn will increase the revenues of TRAM SA. It is also worth noting that the expansion of the network to the center of Piraeus will be combined with a significant number of return benefits:
• The down town area as well as the adjoining neighborhoods will be upgraded due to the renovation which will take place and the reduction of the automobile traffic.
• The commercial district will be enhanced.
• The routing of planned and future metro stations will be assured.
• The urban microclimate conditions will be improved since noise and environmental pollution will be decisively reduced.
• Pedestrian walkways will be increased and upgraded.
• The overall urban environment will be improved with a new development of a waste disposal system and increase of the green areas.
• Historical sites of the city will be exposed.
• Public areas such as the squares of Korai, Karaiskaki, Alikakou and Deligianni as well as the Evagelistrias area will be upgraded.
Characteristic examples of urban areas which have been upgraded due to the Athenian Tram, with a simultaneous improvement of the local infrastructures are the changes which took place in the suburbs of Nea Smyrni, Paleo Faliro, the changeover to a pedestrian sidewalk of one of the busiest commercially streets of our city, Aggellou Metaxa in Glyfada and the service terminal station near the PIKPA foundation in Voula.
Finally it must be noted that in order to minimize the disturbance caused by the construction program in Piraeus and at the same time in order to accelerate the works, TRAM SA plans to utilize an accelerated preconstruction model, based on the experience gained during the rail expansion to Voula. We will also make sure that local residents and businessmen are constantly well informed in a timely manner as to the progress of the works.
B. Adoption of tram networks from other cities in Greece
The local authorities in Patra and Ioannina have expressed a strong interest to adopt a Tram system in their own cities after requests expressed to them by the local residents and other community entities. TRAM SA in collaboration with OASA has already announced a tender for the “Feasibility Study for the Tram service in Patra” which will take into consideration economical, technical and environmental conditions and criteria. .
