DistantNews
Support us
Athens implements digital system to curb tourist bus chaos
🇬🇷 Greece /Technology

Athens implements digital system to curb tourist bus chaos

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • The Municipality of Athens is implementing a digital system called 'Athens Bus Parking' to manage tourist bus traffic and parking in the city center.
  • The platform aims to reduce chaotic movement and illegal parking by providing real-time information on available parking spaces and enabling route planning.
  • This initiative is a collaboration between the municipality, its IT company DAEM, and the Panhellenic Federation of Tourism Enterprises (GEPOET) to balance tourism needs with urban quality of life.

The Municipality of Athens is introducing a digital solution to tackle the persistent problem of chaotic tourist bus traffic and parking in the city's historic center. The new 'Athens Bus Parking' platform is designed to act as a digital traffic controller, aiming to bring order to a situation that worsens during peak tourist seasons.

The digital transition of Athens passes through projects with a substantial impact. We are bridging the needs of the tourism sector with the daily life of the city, promoting sustainable mobility.

— Lazaros KaraoulisThe CEO of DAEM highlighted the significance of the new digital initiative for Athens.

Developed by DAEM, the municipality's IT company, the system allows for real-time mapping of available parking spaces and facilitates the planning of bus routes. This provides drivers with advance knowledge of where they can drop off passengers or park, thereby reducing aimless circling through the city's narrow streets. The initiative seeks to create a more sustainable mobility system.

Lazaros Karaoulis, CEO of DAEM, stated that Athens' digital transition involves projects with tangible impacts. He emphasized bridging the needs of the tourism sector with the daily life of the city to promote sustainable mobility. Eleni Zontirou, Deputy Mayor for Municipal Police, highlighted the priority of balancing tourism growth with the quality of life for residents, aiming for transparent and orderly solutions that respect public space.

We aim for modern solutions with transparency, order, and respect for public space, serving both the local community and visitors.

— Eleni ZontirouThe Deputy Mayor for Municipal Police emphasized the goals of the new system for managing tourist buses.

The tourism industry has responded positively. Aris Marine, President of GEPOET, described the municipality's approach as a significant shift, noting a willingness to collaborate and combine technology with the federation's extensive experience. This partnership is seen as a crucial step towards facilitating smoother experiences for residents, workers, and tourists alike. The immediate action plan includes mapping and reallocating existing parking spots, further developing the application based on user feedback, and establishing ongoing cooperation between the municipality, DAEM, and tourism businesses.

A significant change in approach is evident, as the Municipality is now willing to collaborate with the Federation, combining technology with our long-term experience. This meeting is a good start for facilitating residents, workers, and tourists.

— Aris MarineThe President of GEPOET expressed optimism about the new digital initiative and the collaboration with the municipality.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog