Think Railways

The European Commission has approved one major investment of €34 million from the European Regional and Development Fund (ERDF) for the extension of the tramway in the third biggest Greek city of Piraeus. This investment will hugely enhance the use of public transport for more than 500 000 commuters and visitors. 5.35 km of the tram westwards from the existing stop "Neo Faliro" to the port of Piraeus and the center of the city will be built as well as 13 tram stations. This project is expected to create 169 permanent jobs once the works are finished.

Commenting on the decision, Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn said “This project is a good example of how EU regional funds can help get Greece back on the path of recovery and growth. It will contribute to improving the mobility of citizens and visitors in the city of Piraeus, ensuring safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly travel conditions and making the whole Athens metropolitan area even more attractive for investors”.

This project is a priority project as identified by the Commission with the Greek authorities that will improve the region’s connectivity, providing citizens with better and safer travel conditions. It started in January 2013 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2015.

The investment comes through the EU Regional Policy programme for the Attica region under the priority axis "Strengthening infrastructure relating to accessibility and energy".

The ERDF will finance €34m out of a total of €54.1 million.