Bus, trolley service changes
Several changes in bus and trolley services come into effect today as part of a gradual reorganization being carried out by Attica bus and trolley operator OSY. Today’s changes will affect the southern Athens network and are aimed at reducing bus and trolley services toward the city center while redirecting commuter traffic to the Athens metro. According to OSY, the first phase of the reorganization project is expected to be concluded by November 15. More bus and trolley route alterations are expected in other parts of Attica later on, following consultations between OSY and local authorities.
Ebola measures.
The use of transparent plastic sheets to line the cabins of EKAB emergency ambulances has been included in the list of precautionary measures to be taken in the eventuality of EKAB ambulance crews being called to handle a suspected case of Ebola. The step was included in a new directive issued by Health Ministry general secretary Christina Papanikolaou as part of security measures to be taken by ambulance staff. In the new directive, Papanikolaou reiterated that the capital’s Amalia Fleming and Sotiria hospitals are both equipped with special units to treat possible Ebola patients, while more facilities could be added by a newly established national committee set up by the ministry to handle the Ebola crisis.
Kalavryta travel pass.
Greek train operator Trainose has announced that a new travel pass is available for visitors to the area of Kalavryta in the Peloponnese. The new package deal, Kalavryta CityPass, which was developed in association with local authorities and businesses, includes two-way travel on the historic Diakopto-Kalavryta railway route, admission to the Kalavryta Ski Center and a lift ride to the Vathia Lakka slope, admission and a tour of the Cave of the Lakes, as well as admission to the Kalavryta Holocaust Museum. The Kalavryta CityPass costs 24.80 euros and is valid for one month. It is available at the Kalavryta, Diakopto and Patra train stations as well as Trainose’s Athens tourism office (6 Sina) from November through mid-July.
Train derailment.
Train services between Athens and Thessaloniki were disrupted on Saturday when several wagons from a cargo train derailed at Lilaia station near Amfikleia in central Greece. Nobody was injured in the incident. The wagons were empty. A bus service was introduced to serve travelers while the damage to the track was repaired. Normal service resumed on Saturday afternoon.