Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, has entered a new era of urban transportation. On December 1st, 2024, the city inaugurated its revolutionary driverless metro system – a landmark achievement for Greece and a shining example of sustainable urban development. This ambitious project, a collaboration between the Greek government and the global rail technology leader Hitachi Rail, marks a significant leap forward in modernizing the country’s public transport infrastructure.
Phase one of the Thessaloniki metro line spans an impressive 9.6 kilometers, encompassing 13 state-of-the-art stations strategically located throughout vital city areas. This initial rollout aims to dramatically alleviate the city’s chronic traffic congestion by providing a rapid, reliable, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional road transport. The immediate impact is anticipated to be substantial, with projections suggesting the elimination of 56,000 cars from the city’s roads daily. This significant reduction in vehicular traffic translates to a projected annual decrease of 77,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions, aligning perfectly with Greece’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability and its ambitious goals for green transportation.
The technological prowess behind this transformative project is undeniable. Hitachi Rail’s advanced Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) system is the backbone of the driverless operation. This cutting-edge signalling technology allows trains to communicate wirelessly with the infrastructure, optimizing train movements, reducing intervals between trains, and significantly increasing overall capacity. This translates to shorter wait times for passengers and a smoother, more efficient overall transit experience. The 18 new trains currently in service, manufactured at Hitachi Rail’s Reggio Calabria factory in Italy, each boast four carriages, spanning approximately 51 meters and accommodating up to 450 passengers per train. Fifteen additional trains are slated for delivery under a subsequent contract, further enhancing the system’s capacity to meet the growing needs of Thessaloniki’s population.
The Thessaloniki metro isn’t just a technological marvel; it also showcases a commitment to preserving the city’s rich historical heritage. During the construction phase, significant archaeological discoveries were unearthed, including sections of a decumanus maximus, an ancient Roman road. These invaluable historical artifacts are being meticulously preserved and will be integrated into the metro stations, creating a unique blend of historical and modern elements that passengers can experience firsthand. A new 55,000-square-meter depot in the Pylea area further contributes to enhancing the city’s comprehensive transport infrastructure.
Hitachi Rail’s expertise in developing and deploying driverless metro systems is globally recognized. The company has successfully implemented similar projects in major cities such as Milan, Taipei, Lima, and Copenhagen, solidifying its position as a pioneer in the field. The Thessaloniki project further underscores Hitachi Rail’s commitment to shaping the future of urban mobility worldwide, providing sustainable and efficient solutions to cities grappling with the challenges of increasing urbanization and its associated environmental impact.
The long-term vision for the Thessaloniki metro extends beyond phase one. Plans are already underway to expand the line by an additional 4.8 kilometers, incorporating five new stations. This expansion will culminate in a direct link between the city center and Thessaloniki International Airport, seamlessly connecting residents and travelers alike. The completed metro network promises to be a game-changer for Thessaloniki, offering a rapid, reliable, and environmentally responsible alternative to private vehicles and setting a precedent for other cities seeking to implement innovative and sustainable urban transportation solutions.
The inauguration of the driverless metro system represents a pivotal moment in Thessaloniki’s transportation evolution. This collaborative effort between Hitachi Rail and the Greek government underscores a shared commitment to creating a greener, more connected future for Greece’s urban centers. The successful implementation of this project serves as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of driverless technology and its capacity to address some of the most pressing challenges facing modern cities globally.
