One month of Kalamaria metro extension cuts city centre traffic by up to 12%

Thessaloniki’s traffic conditions have shown marked improvement during the first month of operation for the Metro's Kalamaria l**ine extension, bringing noticeable relief to commuters along major thoroughfares.

Data obtained by Voria.gr shows a 10% to 12% reduction in the average number of vehicles entering the city centre, with a matching drop in outbound traffic heading east. Crucially for daily commuters, travel times across key road arteries including Ethnikis Antistaseos, Dodekanisou, and the seafront avenue have decreased by 7% to 10% in both directions.

Transport officials view these early figures as particularly encouraging given that they represent a transition phase. Commuters are still adapting to the new branch as well as frequency adjustments on the main line serving Nea Elvetia.

Furthermore, the traffic reduction was achieved under three heavily challenging conditions:

The Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF)** : The one-month evaluation window included the nine-day annual trade fair, a period that historically brings peak vehicle volumes to the city.

Flyover Construction Works** : Ongoing traffic diversions on the city's ring road due to the Flyover elevated expressway project forced many drivers to reroute directly through urban avenues.

Vasilissis Olgas Avenue Bottleneck** : Roadworks at the junction with Petrou Syndika reduced traffic flow to 1.5 lanes for three weeks, causing localized congestion despite daily intervention by traffic police.

This initial impact builds upon the gains realized after the main metro line launched two years ago, which gradually reduced incoming city-centre vehicle traffic by up to 14% in its first six months. As passenger adoption grows following the initial adjustment period, officials expect a further reduction in urban congestion.