FYI.news, in collaboration with the Institute of Sustainable Mobility & Transport Networks (IMET) and supported by Uber, conducted a scientific study on how citizens commute in Athens and Thessaloniki and their satisfaction with public transportation.
In reality, anyone using public transportation doesn’t question the need for this survey, as they are already aware of the problems reflected in the respondents’ answers.
Our aim was to determine whether the dissatisfaction described on social media and frequently discussed by public transportation users is also supported by data.
That’s why it was crucial to, first and foremost, understand how people commute, which public transportation they use, how they use it, and how they rate it. Beyond the general public, we also wanted to examine the habits and satisfaction levels of migrants and members of the LGBTQ+ community, as incidents of violence and discrimination against them in public transport are often reported. Additionally, we gathered both quantitative and qualitative data on the use of commuting apps.
(fyitema
DRIVING (40,9%)
Nearly half of Athenians opt for the comfort of their car despite traffic and costs.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION (Metro 31.4%, Bus 16.4%)
The metro is the most popular option, with buses often falling behind due to service quality issues and delays.
TAXI (0,7%)
Taxis are rarely used, likely due to their cost and the wide availability of other public transportation options like the metro.
(fyiteam)
DRIVING (49,8%):
It’s the only practical option for nearly half of the city’s residents due to the absence of other public transport options like the metro, which is still under construction.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION (32,7%):
Although buses are the only public transport available, complaints about delays, overcrowding, and poor service reduce usage.
TAXI (1,7%)
(fyiteam)
How do we rate the buses in Athens?
38.4% of the general public describes the service as “Very Poor.” This figure rises to 47.4% among migrants, while 30.4% of LGBTQ+ individuals also share this opinion.
How do we rate the metro in Athens?
39.9% of the general public rates the metro service as “Good.” LGBTQ+ individuals tend to rate it slightly higher, while migrants have less access, with 21.1% stating that the metro is not available in their area.
How do we rate the tram in Athens?
24.9% of the general public rates the tram service as “Very Poor,” along with 28.9% of LGBTQ+ individuals and 42.9% of migrants. Furthermore, 36.8% of migrants reported no tram service in their area, compared to 30.7% of the general public and 19.6% of LGBTQ+ individuals.
How do we rate the suburban railway in Athens?
18.1% of the general public rates the service as “Poor,” while 15.8% of migrants describe it as “Neither good nor bad,” and 28.6% of LGBTQ+ individuals rate it as “Very Poor.” Additionally, 44.7% of migrants reported no access to the suburban railway in their area, compared to 30.4% of the general public and 23.2% of LGBTQ+ individuals.
How do we rate the buses in Thessaloniki?
Nearly 38% of the general public rates the bus service as “Poor.” The percentage is higher among migrants (40%) and LGBTQ+ individuals (42.9%).
In Athens, the main reasons for using public transportation are “low cost” for the general public, “awareness of costs” for migrants, and “lack of alternatives” for LGBTQ+ individuals. The reasons for not using public transport include “travel times,” “uncomfortable environment inside the vehicle,” and “limited flexibility.”
In Thessaloniki, the primary reason for using public transportation for both the general public and LGBTQ+ individuals is the low cost, while migrants use it due to the lack of other alternatives.
The reason they don’t choose it? Waiting times.
(fyiteam)
Commute time for a typical journey
For 32.5% of respondents, a typical commute lasts 35-50 minutes, 29.4% spend 20-35 minutes, 24.2% spend 5-20 minutes, and 10.6% spend 50-65 minutes.
Commute time for a typical journey
In Thessaloniki, 38.5% of respondents need 5-20 minutes for a typical commute, 37.4% need 20-35 minutes, 18.6% spend 35-50 minutes, and 4.2% spend 50-65 minutes.
(fyiteam)
Evaluation of taxi services in Athens and Thessaloniki
Respondents in both cities reported the lowest satisfaction with taxi fares, the transparency of fare calculations, and the accessibility of taxis for people with disabilities. They also rated taxi drivers’ behavior poorly.
Incentives for more frequent taxi use included flexible pricing based on demand (lower fares during low demand and higher fares during peak times), supported by 68.4% of respondents in Athens and 15.0% in Thessaloniki.
In Athens, 39.2% of respondents use ride-hailing apps like Uber “Very Often” for commuting, compared to 27.1% in Thessaloniki.
Nearly 70% rate public transport accessibility for people with disabilities as “Very Poor,” with the metro rated similarly by 15.7%, the tram by 31.4%, and the suburban railway by 20.8%. In Thessaloniki, 54.3% view accessibility as “Very Poor.”
The sample size was 385 in Athens and 431 in Thessaloniki. The survey was conducted from May 23, 2024, to June 19, 2024, with questionnaires distributed both online and in the field. The study was led by IMET – Institute of Sustainable Mobility & Transport Networks.
