All public transport fares to rise

Public transport fares will have to rise by at least 25 percent in a year’s time, according to the requirements of Greece’s agreement with its official creditors. The hikes will apply from the first quarter of 2013 both to urban transport services in Athens and intercity trains serving the whole country, meaning that metro tickets will soar from 1.40 to 1.75 euros, while those for buses, trolleys and the tram will rise from 1.20 to 1.50 euros. The government will also have to speed up the privatization process of railway operator TRAINOSE so that it can be completed by the end of this year, against an original plan for the end of 2013.