Thessaloniki to Add 426 New Buses by Autumn in Fleet Expansion

Thessaloniki is set to expand its bus network with 426 new vehicles by autumn. The city has awarded a €32.65 million contract to Chinese manufacturer Yutong for the fleet upgrade. This move follows steady growth in public transport, with the number of buses rising from 240 in 2019 to over 500 today. The Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organization (OASTH) will manage 206 of the new buses, including 160 electric models. A private contractor will operate the remaining 220, with 100 of those being electric. All vehicles are expected to enter service by September.

The total contract value of €32.65 million excludes VAT, placing the cost per bus at €653,000. This price sits at the lower end of the European market, where 18-metre electric buses typically range from €600,000 to €1 million. Yutong secured the deal by submitting the lowest bid.

Thessaloniki's investment reflects a broader push to modernise public transport. Since 2019, the city's fleet has more than doubled, improving capacity and service reliability. The new buses will boost Thessaloniki's transport network with a mix of electric and conventional models. With 426 additional vehicles, the city aims to enhance mobility and reduce emissions. The project is scheduled for completion by autumn, with operations split between OASTH and a private partner.