Athens Metro

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
This article may require copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling. You can assist by editing it. (October 2012)
This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has insufficient inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (October 2012)
Athens Metro
Μετρό Αθήνας

Attiko Metro roundel


AMEL 1st Generation Stock C21 at Syngrou-Fix Station.jpg
Background
Owner Attiko Metro S.A.
Locale Greater Athens
Transit type Rapid transit
Number of lines 3
Number of stations 56 served
50 owned
Daily ridership 1,115,000[1]
Website www.stasy.gr
Operation
Began operation 27 February 1869 (Line 1)
28 January 2000 (Lines 2/3)
Operator(s) Statheres Sygkoinonies S.A.
Number of vehicles 294 Railcars
Technical
System length 35 km (21.75 mi) (blue)[2]
13.1 km (8.14 mi) (red)[2]
Track gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) (standard gauge)
athens metro untill 2013
Athens metro 2007.png

The Athens Metro (Greek: Μετρό Αθήνας, Metró Athínas) is a rapid transit system in Greece, serving the Athens conurbation and parts of East Attica. It incorporates the second-oldest metro line in the world, the Athens-Piraeus Electric Railways (ISAP S.A.), which opened in 1869 and is now part of Line 1. Beginning in 1991, Attiko Metro S.A. constructed and extended Lines 2 and 3,[3] and the Attiko Metro Operations Company (AMEL S.A.) operated these lines from 2000 until 2011.[4] The metro network formally merged in 2011 when the Greek government created the Urban Rail Transport Company (STASY S.A.), a subsidiary of the Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA S.A.).

Contents

History [edit]

Athens-Piraeus Railway [edit]

Main article: Athens-Piraeus Electric Railways

Until 28 January 2000, Line 1 was the only rapid transit line in Athens and Piraeus. The Athens & Piraeus Railway Company (SAP S.A.) opened the line on 27 February 1869, as a steam railway between Piraeus and Thiseio. It was electrified in 1904 and extended in stages to Kifisia in 1957.

From 1976 to 16 June 2011, the Athens-Piraeus Electric Railway Company (ISAP S.A.) operated Line 1 independently from the rest of the metro and the tram network.[5] Its main distinctive feature that sets it apart from lines 2 and 3 is that it runs almost exclusively overground.

Projects of the 1990s [edit]

Construction of Lines 2 and 3 began in November 1992 to decrease traffic congestion and improve Athens' air quality by reducing its smog level.[3] Both lines were constructed underground. Lines 2 and 3, built by Attiko Metro S.A. and operated until 2011 by Attiko Metro Operations Company S.A. are known as the red and blue lines respectively, and were inaugurated in January 2000. Line 3 extended to the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in summer 2004 and Anthoupolis in April 2013.

Consolidation [edit]

Until 17 June 2011,[5] the operational management of the Athens Metro network was similar to the operation of the London Underground network (before the creation of the London Passenger Transport Board and the absorption of the Metropolitan Railway on 1 July 1933). The Greek government attempted to reform ISAP S.A. under Law 2668/1988 so that it could become responsible for the operation of the then proposed Lines 2 and 3, but the process was not completed in time for the parliamentary election in 1989 and the political crisis that followed.[6]

The consolidation of operations on the Athens Metro finally arrived when the Greek government enacted Law 3920/2011,[7] replacing AMEL S.A., ISAP S.A. and Tram S.A. with Urban Rail Transport (STASY) S.A. (Greek: ΣΤΑΣΥ Α.Ε.), a subsidiary of OASA S.A.[8]

Stations and lines [edit]

Athens Metro lines
Line Map colour[I][9] First section
opened		 Elec. Latest section
opened		 Latest station opened Route Length (km, mi) Sta.
7000100000000000000Athens Metro Line 1.svg Green 01869-02-2727 February 1869 01904-01-011904 01957-08-1010 August 1957 02004-08-066 August 2004 (Nerantziotissa)[10] Piraeus – Kifisia 700125600000000000025.6 km (15.9 mi)[11] 700124000000000000024[10]
7000200000000000000Athens Metro Line 2.svg Red 02000-01-2828 January 2000 02000-01-012000 02013-04-066 April 2013 02013-04-066 April 2013 (Anthoupoli) Anthoupoli – Agios Dimitrios 700110900000000000010.9 km (6.8 mi)[12] 700116000000000000016[12]
7000300000000000000Athens Metro Line 3.svg Light Blue+ 02000-01-2828 January 2000 02000-01-012000 02007-05-2626 May 2007 02010-12-3030 December 2010 (Agia Paraskevi) Egaleo – Doukissis Plakentias/Airport 700137600000000000037.6 km (23.4 mi)[12] 700120000000000000020[12]
7000400000000000000Athens Metro Line 4.svg Orange Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed Petroupoli – Ethniki Odos/Ano Ilioupoli 700133000000000000033.0 km (20.5 mi)[13] 700129000000000000029[13]
7000500000000000000Athens Metro Line 5.svg Dark Blue Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed Ano Liossia – Ano Ilioupoli Unknown Unknown
7000600000000000000Athens Metro Line 6.svg Pink Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed Amalia Fleming – Peraiki/Perama Unknown Unknown
7000700000000000000Athens Metro Line 7.svg Yellow Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed Palataki – Alimos Unknown Unknown
7000800000000000000Athens Metro Line 8.svg Brown Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed Girokomio – Vyronas Unknown Unknown
+ Dark blue on signage.

Infrastructure [edit]

As of December 2010, the system served 33 stations, not counting the four OSE stations on the Airport line. Both Metro lines have passenger connections with ISAP (Line 1), Proastiakos, the Athens Suburban Railway and the Athens Tram system. There is a physical connection with ISAP railway at Attiki station.

The system consists of standard gauge lines in intermediate depth tunnels, with both up and down lines in a common tunnel. The system is electrified with the third-rail system, using a nominal voltage of 750 V DC.

The length of the blue line (line 3) as of April 2008 was 16.4 km[14] not including the suburban railway part to the airport, or, as of February 2008, 37.6 km including the 21.2 km of the line that it shares with the suburban railway system of Athens. The length of the red line (line 2) as of July 2008 was 10.9 km.[14] This brings the overall length of the green, red and blue lines to approximately 74 km.

The Athens Metro is heavily used, with approximately 700,000 passengers daily.[15]

Rolling stock [edit]

The Athens Metro classifies rolling stock by "Batches" for Line 1 and "Generations" for Lines 2 and 3, because ISAP S.A. and AMEL S.A. used different systems for rolling stock classification prior to consolidation.

Five types of rolling stock operate on the network, with another entering service from next year. They are all equipped to run on 750 V DC third rail, but only seven trains from the 2nd Generation Stock can serve Line 3 from Doukissis Plakentias to Airport. Additionally, different signalling systems prevent Batch Stocks from running on Lines 2 and 3 and Generation Stocks from running on Line 1.

The 8th Batch (introduced in 1983) is the oldest rolling stock in passenger service, while the 2nd Generation (introduced in 2003) is the latest rolling stock in passenger service. The 8th and 10th Batch Stocks are externally similar, but the former uses split-flap headsigns in Johnston typeface, and a cream/green interior colour scheme.

London Underground lines
Line Current stock Image Introduced
Athens Metro Line 1.svg 8th Batch Stock 10th batch line 1 train, Athens, Greece.jpg 1983
Athens Metro Line 1.svg 10th Batch Stock ISAP Thision sidings.jpg 1993
Athens Metro Line 1.svg 11th Batch Stock 20070523-NERATZIOTISA.jpg 2000
Athens Metro Line 2.svg Athens Metro Line 3.svg 1st Generation Stock AMEL 1st Generation Stock C21 at Syngrou-Fix Station.jpg 2000
Athens Metro Line 2.svg Athens Metro Line 3.svg 2nd Generation Stock Keramikos metro st.2.JPG 2004
Athens Metro Line 2.svg Athens Metro Line 3.svg 3rd Generation Stock 2013
  • First series (delivery): 28 six-car electric multiple units made by Alstom–Siemens–ADtranz (2000). Maximum speed 80 km/h.[16]
  • Second series (delivery): 21 six-car EMU made by Hanwa-Rotem-Mitsubishi (2004). Seven of these trains can also operate on OSE lines with 25 kV AC -50 Hz overhead electrification system and are used for airport services. All second series trains are air-conditioned. Maximum speed 80 km/h.
  • Third series: Athens Metro ordered 17 additional trains.
  • Four service hybrid locomotives made by Kaelble-Gmeinder-Siemens. They can operate from a third rail 750 V DC system or using their own diesel generators. They are of a B-B configuration with a maximum power of 550 kW under diesel traction and 600 kW under electric traction.[17]
  • One rail-road Unimog
Batch Year Configuration Type Numbering Description
1st 2000 DT-M-MD+MD-M-DT DT A01-A56 56 EMU-3 "half-trains" operating as 28 EMU-6 trains. Made by Alsthom-Siemens-ADtranz. MD railcars have an auxiliary driving facility used only for shunting.
M B01-B56
MD C01-C56
2nd
(DC)		 2003–2004 DM-T-M+M-T-DM DM D201-D228 28 EMU-3 "half-trains" operating as 14 EMU-6 trains. Made by Hanwa-Rotem-Mitsubishi.
T T201-T228
M M201-M228
2nd
(DC/AC)		 2003–2004 DM-T-M+M-T-DM DM D251-D264 14 EMU-3 "half-trains" operating as 7 EMU-6 trains. Made by Hanwa-Rotem-Mitsubishi, can also operate on 25 kV AC, 50 Hz lines.
T T251-T264
M M251-M264
3rd 2012-2013 DM-T-M+M-T-DM DM D301-D334 A contract for 17 air conditioned EMU-6 trains was signed on 2009-09-16 with Hanwa-Rotem.[18] 34 EMU-3 "half-trains" will enter service as 17 EMU-6 trains in July of 2013.
T T301-T334
M M301-M334

Railcar codes: DM: driving motor car, DT: driving trailer, M: motor car, T: trailer, MD: motor car with auxiliary driving facility.

Signalling [edit]

Main article: Greek railway signalling → Athens Metro signalling

Line 1 uses two-aspect red/green home signals, yellow/green distant signals and passenger information system (PIS). The current system replaced semaphore signals from the 1950s.

Lines 2 and 3 use the Alstom automatic train supervision system (ATS) and a passenger information system (PIS). Two-aspect red/white colour signals are used at points and junctions only.

Ticketing policy [edit]

Purchased tickets are valid for 90 minutes after validation and can be used for several journeys on the network (lines 1, 2 and 3), as well as in most other means of public transport in Athens including buses, trolleybuses, trams, and the urban part of the suburban railway (between Piraeus, Magoula and Koropi stations, excluding the airport). Passengers must validate their tickets only once, using the machines at the entrance to the station, at the start of their first journey.[19]

There are daily and weekly tickets, as well as monthly cards which also apply for all means of public transport in Athens - Passengers also only need to validate these tickets once, at the start of their first journey. Fares are checked frequently: passengers who fail to show a validated ticket or a monthly card are required to pay 60 times the price of a standard ticket.

Airport fares [edit]

Travel to and from the Athens International Airport requires a special 8 euros ticket. Return tickets are also available - in February 2011, the return fare for use within 48 hours was 14 euros. There are also two- and three-person one-way tickets available.

Archaeological excavations and exhibits [edit]

Syntagma Metro Station Archaeological Collection

The concourse level of Syntagma Metro station.

During the construction of the metro tunnels, numerous artefacts of archaeological interest were discovered. Their discovery was brought about as a result of what is known as salvage archaeology, this is archaeology that comes into play not because of natural decay but due to the artefacts' imminent destruction by the systematic excavation process. Teams of archaeologists worked ahead of, then alongside, engineers for a total of 6 years. They protected and recorded the archaeological evidence that was uncovered which included ancient streets, houses, cemeteries, sanctuaries, public workshops, foundry pits, kilns, aqueducts, wells, cisterns, drains and sewage tunnels. Together this allowed a new insight into the topography of the city in ancient times. Never before has such a rapid development of infrastructure been accompanied hand-in-hand with the attentive study and preservation of archaeological data.

Exhibitions of ancient artifacts and/or their replicas can be found at various metro stations, such as those of Monastiraki and Syntagma.

Proposed Line 4 (Orange line) [edit]

Alsos Veikou - Maroussi A new line, planned, but no funding is secured as of May 2009.[20] On 4 November 2010, it was announced that a call for tenders for the construction of the western branch shall be published in late 2011. Currently geotechnical investigations are taking place at various locations on the proposed route.

According to the Metro Development Study, two new lines would be constructed, as branches of the existing lines: a line 2 branch from Panepistimio to Alsos Veikou and a line 3 branch from Panormou to Maroussi. Further studies showed that the construction of an new separate line combining these two branches is preferable.[21] The proposal also recommends lighter rolling stock than the type used in lines 2 and 3, which shall operate fully automatically without a driver. The proposed route for line 4 is:

Agios Dimitrios station
  • Alsos Veikou
  • Galatsi
  • Kypseli
  • Dikastiria
  • Alexandras
  • Exarhia
  • Panepistimio (new station with underpass connection to existing line 2 station)
  • Kolonaki
  • Evangelismos (existing line 3 station)
  • Kaissariani
  • Ano Ilissia
  • Zografou
  • Goudi
  • Katehaki (existing line 3 station)
  • Faros
  • Filothei
  • Sidera
  • O.A.K.A.
  • Paradissos
  • O.T.E
  • Maroussi (existing line 1 station)

Proposed Future Expansion [edit]

Athens complete metro lines 1,2,3,4 according to current plans for future expansions.

In April 2009, The Hellenic Ministry of Public Works released a preliminary proposal for a future expansion of the Attiko Metro, as part of the new Regulatory Plan for Athens and Attica.[22] The proposal was intended to serve as a basis for future expansion of the rapid transit system in the Attiki basin, specifically stating that the project would not be completed in less than 20 years. Upon completion, however, it will cover 85% of the wider area of Attica basin, and thus discouraging citizens from using their private vehicles for transfer to the city centre and the centres of large urban municipalities.

The proposed expansion will bring the system to a total of eight lines (including ISAP Line 1) with a total length of 220 km and serving 200 stations. In addition to small extensions to lines 1, 3 and 4, the proposed expansion will consist of lines 5 (Ano Liosia - Vyronas), 6 (Melissia - Perama/Piraeus), 7 (Chaidari - Alimos) which would cross the Attiki basin, passing through downtown Athens and line 8 as an incomplete circle around Athens (Katechaki - Sepolia - Kallithea - Dafni - Pangrati).[23] As of March 2012 [24] those extensions of the system constitute the Athens Metro Regulatory Plan and will be gradually implemented by Attiko Metro in the future.

See also [edit]

Notes [edit]

I. ^ As of October 2012, none of the organisations behind the construction or operation of the Athens Metro specify the exact line colour values for web or print, but they agree on a general colour scheme for identifying lines.[9][25]

References [edit]

  1. ^ http://www.ametro.gr/page/default.asp?la=2&id=5
  2. ^ a b "Athens Urban Transport Network in Facts and Figures (pdf) page 15". OASA. www.oasa.gr. Retrieved 2007-02-04. 
  3. ^ a b "AttikoMetro Inside - Base Project". Attiko Metro S.A. 9 September 2012. Retrieved 3 October 2012. 
  4. ^ Law 2669/1988, Government Gazette Issue A 283/1998-12-18, Part 7, paragraph 2.
  5. ^ a b "Urban Rail Transport SA (STASY SA): Urban Rail Transport S.A". Urban Rail Transport S.A. Retrieved 2 October 2012. 
  6. ^ Law 2669/1988, Government Gazette Issue A 283/1998-12-18, Part 7, paragraphs 3 and 4.
  7. ^ Law 3920, Government Gazette issue A-33, 2011-03-03.
  8. ^ Ministerial Decision 28737/2637, Government Gazette issue B-1454, 2011-06-17
  9. ^ a b "Athens Metro Regulatory Plan". Attiko Metro S.A. 30 January 2012. Retrieved 29 August 2012. 
  10. ^ a b "Stations", ISAP - Athens Piraeus Electric Railways (Athens-Piraeus Electric Railways), 2007, retrieved 2 September 2012 
  11. ^ "Information on Line 1 - Technical Data", ISAP - Athens Piraeus Electric Railways (Athens-Piraeus Electric Railways), 2007, retrieved 2 September 2012 
  12. ^ a b c d "Operation", AMEL - Athens Metro Operation (Attiko Metro Operation Company), 31 December 2010, retrieved 2 September 2012 
  13. ^ a b "Line 4", AttikoMetro Inside (Attiko Metro), 31 December 2010, retrieved 19 July 2012 
  14. ^ a b "AMEL - Athens METRO operation:OPERATION". Amel.gr. 2009-02-14. Archived from the original on 24 April 2009. Retrieved 2009-05-04. 
  15. ^ Attiko Metro S.A. - The Company http://www.ametro.gr/page/default.asp?la=2&id=5
  16. ^ G. Nathenas, A. Kourbelis, T. Vlastos, S. Kourouzidis, V. Katsareas, P. Karamanis, A. Klonos, N. Kokkinos (2007). Από τα Παμφορεία στο Μετρό (in greek) 2. Athens: Μίλητος (Militos). pp. 703–708. ISBN 978-960-8460-91-1. 
  17. ^ N. Sbarounis (December 2002). "Hybrid locomotives of Athens Metropolitan Network (Greek: Υβριδικές Ηλεκτράμαξες του Μητροπολιτικού Δικτύου Αθηνών)". Sidirotrohia (Greek: Σιδηροτροχιά) (in Greek) (23): 30–31. 
  18. ^ ATHENS METRO - Completion of the tender for the supply of 17 new trainsets for the Athens Metro (16/09/2009)
  19. ^ "AMEL - Athens METRO operation:Flat fare tickets". Amel.gr. 2009-02-14. Retrieved 2009-05-04. 
  20. ^ June 2008 issue of the free Attiko Metro magazine available in the stations
  21. ^ "AttikoMetro Inside". Ametro.gr. Retrieved 2009-05-04. 
  22. ^ The future Metro extensions were incorporated into the New Regulatory Plan for Athens and Attica Prefecture
  23. ^ Map of the Athens Metro Regulatory Plan
  24. ^ Future extensions of Attiko Metro
  25. ^ "Athens Public Transportation Map". Athens Urban Transport Organisation. 26 July 2011. Retrieved 11 October 2012. 

External links [edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Athens Metro
Logo of the Athens Metro Operating Company (AMEL).svg Athens Metro
Operational
Athens Metro Line 1.svg
Athens Metro Line 2.svg
Athens Metro Line 3.svg
Proposed
Athens Metro Line 4.svg
Athens Metro Line 5.svg
Athens Metro Line 6.svg
Athens Metro Line 7.svg
Athens Metro Line 8.svg
Map of complete metropolitan railway network of Athens
Logo of the Athens Tram (icon only).svg Athens Tram
Operational
Athens Tram Line 3.svg
Athens Tram Line 4.svg
Athens Tram Line 5.svg
Other networks
History
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Athens_Metro&oldid=552806072"