TRAINOSE's new routes pay off
- Written by E.Tsiliopoulos
TRAINOSE's decision to route trains daily to Bulgaria, FYROM, and Serbia, is earning it points and is reinforcing the tourist current to northern Greek destinations and garnering extra income from Balkan neighbors wishing to travel to Athens.
These routes, one a day to each of these destinations and one back, started in May at 30-50% capacity, but their steady growth over the summer fully justified the decision to implement the program. “During the summer capacities doubled reaching 70-80% by August, and in July these routes carried 5,000 persons” said TRAINOSE CEO Thanasis Ziliaskopoulos to Voria.gr.
Now that the end of the summer season is coming to a close, it is time “to become more creative,” said Mr Ziliaskopoulos, referring to plans to draw more travelers during the winter months. TRAINOSE is in negotiations with Bulgarian rail about moving travelers to the winter resort of Bansko, linking the resort to the closest rail station, 15 kilometers away, by bus. This line could operate for travelers on weekends and possibly Thursdays.
An informal cooperation with the intercity bus lines of Halkidiki begun this year to support the three new lines. Mr Ziliaskopoulos also disclosed that the company is thinking of instituting a single train and bus ticket for passengers going from the three Balkan cities to Halkidiki. Another thought is to link the train station with the Mediterranean Cosmos shopping mall as many passengers have this as a destination.
