WRITTEN QUESTION E-3171/03 by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Progress towards completion of the Athens tramway.
Date: 2003-10-27
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Community support framework, Greece, rail network, transport policy

C 84 E/502

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

3.4.2004

In view of the fact that funding under the third CFS has been earmarked for the suburban rail project, is
the Commission aware of the problems arising and the fact that the project is behind schedule? What is its
general assessment regarding progress made?

(2004/C 84 E/0580)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3171/03

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Progress towards completion of the Athens tramway

(27 October 2003)

Recently grave concern has been expressed in the Greek press regarding progress made towards
completion of the Athens tramway, with reports indicating that, although work is well behind schedule,
contractors are reneging on their undertakings regarding increased manning levels on the project. It appears
highly unlikely that the work will be completed in time for the Olympic Games and alternative solutions
are already being considered,
including a reduction in the number of tram stops, to cover increased
demand over this period. Furthermore, the scheduled tram route from the centre to the coast will
encounter dozens of crossings and it is not at all clear how the traffic lights will be regulated so as to give
it priority, the preferred solution appearing to be the stationing of traffic police at those points where tram
and automobile meet!

In view of the fact that funding has been earmarked for the tramway project under the third CSF,

1.
what view does the Commission take of progress made?

2. What information does the Commission have concerning the issues being raised by the Greek press?

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-3170/03 and E-3171/03
given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(4 December 2003)

The Commission knows about the articles in the Greek press on delays in construction of the Athens
Suburban Railway and the Athens Tramway.

The decision to grant European financial assistance for these two projects (included in the 3rd Community
Support Framework for Greece) followed a very positive assessment of the benefits they would afford the
Attica Region and a finding that they could be completed during the present programming period (2000
to 2006). Completion in time for the 2004 Olympic Games would significantly improve public transport
facilities during them but was not imposed as a condition for granting assistance.

Our information is that the delay in construction of the Doukissis Plakentias-SKA stretch of the railway
track has been caused by problems of compatibility between the basic infrastructure put in place by the
Attica Highway authorities and the technical specifications of the railway line, which is to lie between the
two carriageways of the Highway. These problems do not affect the section between the Airport and
Doukissis Plakentias, which is of particular importance for the Olympic Games.

In the case of the Tramway the delay appears to be a limited one affecting only the line between the city
centre and the sea. The line along the seafront, the more important one for the Olympic Games,
is apparently progressing as scheduled. It is of course important that when the Tramway comes into
operation all necessary safety requirements are met.

We do not consider that the delays that have occurred up to now threaten completion of the railway
project and the two tramway lines during the present Structural Fund programming period.