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Inside Thessaloniki’s new €3bn metro system - Passengers Thrilled as Greece Marks Milestone With Thessaloniki Metro Inauguration "A blend of ancient and modern"

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After 22 years of construction, Thessaloniki's much-anticipated metro system has finally opened, blending modern transit with rich archaeological heritage. The underground network, featuring driverless trains and advanced automation, is Greece's first fully automated metro system and aims to alleviate traffic congestion by removing an estimated 60,000 vehicles from the roads daily. It is expected to serve more than 250,000 passengers each day.

The project, funded in part by the European Union, faced delays due to its extraordinary archaeological complexity. During construction, over 300,000 artifacts were unearthed, ranging from ancient burial sites adorned with gold to Roman-era roads and early Christian basilicas. Many of these finds are now on display in 13 stations designed as “archaeo-stations,” offering commuters a journey through the city’s 2,300-year history.

The network currently operates along a 10-kilometer route, with plans for further expansion, including a connection to the city’s international airport by 2040. While some have voiced concerns over the system's limited initial reach, the metro represents a significant step forward for Thessaloniki, marking the city’s modernization and highlighting its historical depth.

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"It’s a project we’ve been hearing about for decades as being constructed. I’m 31 years old, and my parents used to tell me that the Thessaloniki metro had been an idea long before I was even born. I’m absolutely thrilled to be one of its first passengers finally. We are witnessing a historic moment." said Stephanos, 31.

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