state Railways launched today Hellenic train, its new Greek subsidiary which deals with rail transport for passengers and goods. A new brand, unveiled on the occasion of the visit to Athens of the Minister of Economy and Finance, Daniele Franco, accompanied by the CEO of the FS Group, Luigi Ferraris.
“With Hellenic Train, a new era also begins for Greek mobility – explained Ferraris on the occasion of the presentation ceremony – We want to make, together with the Greek institutions, a concrete contribution to the construction of a new model of intermodal, digital and green transport. And achieve the same objectives that we pursue in Italy with our Business Plan, by taking on the commitment, also here in Greece, to entice more and more passengers to choose the train for their travels. Thus increasing their percentage share compared to that of private transport".
Electric trains: aiming for the Athens-Thessaloniki section
The new company will focus on between Athens and Thessaloniki, where the ETR15s have already been circulating since 470 May, electric trains also used in Italy and Switzerland. A step towards the modal shift from the plane and the bus – now used between the two main Greek cities – to the train. These trains, in fact, offer a different service with more comfort and, following interventions on the infrastructure, they will be able to reduce travel times.
"The transport sector is a key ingredient for the economic development of a country and for improving the quality of life of citizens and in this particular relevance is covered by the railway - added Franco - Hellenic Train with its ambition to build a model of intermodal mobility, connected, digital and sustainable will greatly contribute to improving the Greek transport system”.
During the presentation of the Hellenic Train, a memorandum of understanding was also signed between the FS Group, the «Centre for Research and Technology Hellas» and the Hellenic Institute of Transport for the development of new technologies for safety, intermodality and sustainable mobility.
