Greece is expected to come to a standstill on Friday as both the public and private sectors participate in a 24-hour strike marking the second anniversary of the Tempi train crash, which resulted in the deaths of 57 people. The day will be marked by nationwide protests, rallies, and strikes. Here’s how public transport will operate in Athens on February 28.

Public Transport Disruptions

  • Trains, metro and tram services will only be operating from 9:00 to 17:00
  • No metro services to Athens International Airport
  • No bus or trolley services all day on Friday.
  • No intercity train services on Friday.
  • No ferry services to the Greek islands on Friday.
  • Dozens of flights have been canceled for Friday as air traffic controllers will also be participating in the 24-hour strike. Travelers are advised to contact their airlines

Metro and Tram Changes

  • Tram Line 6 (Syntagma–Pikrodafni) will terminate at Fix station.
  • Syntagma and Panepistimiou Metro stations will be closed for safety reasons, and trains will not stop at these stations.

Metro Line 1 (Kifissia–Piraeus)

  • The line will open at 9:00 AM with last trains departing as follows:
    • From Kifissia and Piraeus: 16:35
    • From Monastiraki: to Kifissia at 16:51 / to Piraeus at 16:09
    • From Omonia: to Kifissia at 16:54 / to Piraeus at 16:07
    • From Attiki: To Kifissia at 16:59 / to Piraeus at 16:02

Metro Lines 2 & 3

  • Stations will open at 9:00 AM, with last train departures as follows:
    • From Anthoupoli to Elliniko: 16:46
    • From Elliniko to Anthoupoli: 16:43
    • From Municipal Theater Piraeus to D. Plakentias: 16:32
    • From D. Plakentias to Municipal Theater Piraeus: 16:37

Taxi Services

strikes

The Attica Taxi Union said it will be striking from 6:00 AM on Friday to 6:00 AM on Saturday, March 1. However, volunteer taxi drivers will offer free transport for those attending the Tempi rallies.

Taxis will be available at designated locations: Metaxourgeio Metro Station, Syggrou-Fix Metro Station, Victoria Square (ISAP station), and Megaron Mousikis Metro Station.

Additional Service Disruptions in Greece

  • Schools in Greece have either modified schedules or will close entirely due to teachers participating in the strike.
  • Hospitals will operate on emergency staff as health care professionals and ambulance drivers join the strike.
  • Pharmacies will be closed between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
  • Trade bodies across the country have encouraged businesses to remain closed in solidarity.
  • Lawyers in Athens will also participate in the strike.

Significance of Friday’s Tempi Protest & Strike

The Tempi train collision anniversary rally is expected to be one of largest demonstrations in Greece. Under the slogan “I Have No Oxygen”, families of the victims are demanding justice and accountability amid ongoing delays and allegations of government cover-ups.

On Thursday, the National Organization for the Investigation of Air and Rail Accidents and Transport Safety (EODASAAM) presented its findings on the Tempi crash, adding to public outcry.