Passenger use of Athens’ rail-based public transport network continued to grow in May, while a sharp increase in ticket inspections contributed to a decline in fare violations, according to data from the city’s metro and tram operator, STASY.
Ticket validations across Athens’ fixed-track transit system – including the metro, electric railway ISAP and tram – rose 2.64% in May from a year earlier, reaching 20.8 million from 20.3 million, STASY figures showed.
The increase comes as higher fuel prices continue to put pressure on household budgets, prompting more commuters to turn to public transportation.
The strongest growth was recorded on the tram network, where validations jumped to 691,965 in May from 466,453 a year earlier. Ridership also increased on ISAP (also known as as Line 1 of the Athens Metro), which has frequently drawn complaints from passengers. Validations there rose to 5.65 million from 5.35 million in May 2025.
Over the first five months of the year, total validations across the network increased 5.74%, the data showed.
