Greece launches First Driverless Train for Thessaloniki Metro

Thessaloniki, Greece (Metro Rail Today): Greece has officially inaugurated its first-ever driverless metro, marking a major step toward sustainable urban transportation. The new metro line in Thessaloniki, developed with advanced technology from Hitachi Rail, is expected to transform the city's transportation network by reducing road congestion and lowering carbon emissions. The first phase, which began operations on November 30, spans 9.6 kilometers and includes 13 new stations. Upon completion, the metro system will connect the city center to the airport, making it a key player in Thessaloniki’s future urban mobility.

The new driverless metro, equipped with Hitachi Rail's state-of-the-art Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) digital signalling technology, will significantly reduce traffic congestion. It's estimated that the new line will remove 56,000 cars from Thessaloniki’s roads daily and cut 77,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, supporting the city’s sustainability goals.

Hitachi Rail’s contribution to the Thessaloniki metro project includes the delivery of 33 cutting-edge metro trains, with the first 18 already in service. Manufactured at Hitachi Rail’s Reggio Calabria factory in Italy, each train consists of four carriages, is 51 meters long, and has a capacity of 450 passengers. An additional 15 trains will be added in a future expansion phase. The CBTC system enables improved train scheduling and safety by allowing trains to run at shorter intervals, enhancing overall service efficiency and reliability.

The new metro line not only promises environmental benefits but also supports the city's ongoing urban development. An extension of the line is already in the works, which will add five more stations and extend the route by 4.8 kilometers. When completed, the metro will provide a direct link from the city center to Thessaloniki International Airport, offering a fast and eco-friendly travel option for residents and visitors.

In addition to its modern transit technology, the metro’s construction has carefully integrated the area’s rich historical and archaeological heritage. Excavations uncovered significant artifacts, including a decumanus maximus, an ancient Roman road, which will be displayed at various metro stations.

The inauguration of Thessaloniki’s driverless metro is a significant achievement for Hitachi Rail, which has been expanding its presence in the driverless metro market globally. The company has previously delivered similar solutions in cities like Milan, Taipei, Lima, and Copenhagen, continuing its commitment to advancing sustainable and autonomous public transport systems worldwide.

With the successful launch of Thessaloniki’s first driverless metro, Hitachi Rail is helping set the standard for the future of urban transit, not only in Greece but across the globe.