Τρίτη 05.11.2024 ΚΕΡΚΥΡΑ

9% increase in urban and KTEL bus fares

bus tickets
21 Φεβρουαρίου 2024 / 10:33

CORFU. The prices of the monthly unlimited travel cards are not affected. Tickets with the old prices are valid until June 30th.

New fares are now in effect on the Corfu blue and green KTEL buses, which had remained unchanged for 14 years.

The Ministerial decision for a 9% increase in fares for urban and KTEL Intercity  buses nationwide, was published in the Government Gazette on December 15, 2023, with immediate effect. Corfu KTEL Intercity (green buses) proceeded with the adjustment of ticket prices starting from December 21, while Corfu Urban KTEL began issuing tickets at the new prices in January. The fare from Corfu to Athens now costs 48 Euros, up from 44.50, while to Thessaloniki it has been adjusted to 37 Euros from 34.30.

 

The President of Corfu Intercity KTEL, Tasos Tsiboulis, told Enimerosi that the fare increases are moderate and do not cover operating expenses, which have been significantly burdened by the sharp rise in the price of oil as well as the cost of spare parts and maintenance. "The 9% increase, compared to the price of oil, which has risen significantly, is very small," he said. "Our vehicles operate exclusively on oil and the expenses for its procurement are huge and greater than the labour cost. Essentially, the increases in fares within the region are minimal." For example, the fare from Corfu Town to Kavos now amounts to 4.80 Euros, to Sidari 3.70 Euros, and to Paleokastritsa 2.5 Euros.

Urban buses

Passengers using urban buses have seen fare increases since last month. Thus, starting from January 1st, 2024, the price of a ticket has increased by 10 cents - now at 1.20 Euros from 1.10 or 1.60 Euros from 1.50, depending on the travel zone.

There are also increases in the price of tickets issued by the driver on the bus. Now, the ticket for trips in Zone A has gone up to 2 Euros from 1.70, and in Zone B, to 2.50 Euros from 2.30. For this reason, the Director of Corfu Urban KTEL , Alexandros Pangalis, speaking to Enimerosi, advised the public to purchase tickets outside the bus from sales points (stationmaster's office, ticket vending machines, kiosks, etc.).

Additionally, he clarified that those holding tickets with old prices can use them until June 30. The 9% increase in ticket prices does not affect the current price of monthly unlimited travel cards, while ticket package offers (10+1 free) continue. "We are the only sector that has maintained the same prices for 14 years,"  Mr. Pangalis stated. "However, during this period, costs have increased by over 40%. The fare increase is only 9%."

Agreement

The increase in fares on urban and intercity KTEL buses was made following a joint request from the Panhellenic Federation of Intercity Drivers and the Panhellenic Federation of Urban Drivers to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, considering the increased operating expenses (fuel, labour costs, cost of spare parts and maintenance) that necessitated the need for fare adjustment. Following negotiations, the federation management reached an agreement with the Ministry for a 9% fare increase of 0.10 Euros.

 

MARIA BAZDRIYIANNI

Photo: Enimerosi / Maria Bazdriyianni