New electric bus charging station boosts Thessaloniki’s green transit goals

As part of this effort, OASTH signed a programmatic agreement with the Thessaloniki Development Agency (ANETH) to implement the project “Development of the Southern Electric Bus Charging Station at OASTH Stavroupoli Depot,” according to an official announcement by the organization. The contract was signed by OASTH’s Chairman and CEO, Kostas Tagiris, and ANETH’s Chairman and CEO, Thomas Vranos.

Under the agreement, ANETH will handle the preparation of studies and tender documents, secure all necessary permits and approvals, conduct the contractor selection process, and supervise construction until project completion and handover to OASTH.

The new infrastructure will complement the existing charging station, operational since summer 2024 on adjacent land at the Stavroupoli depot, which already serves 110 electric buses. This latest investment will be integrated within the depot itself to accommodate 50 new articulated electric buses expected in Thessaloniki in the coming months.

OASTH will also be the first organization in Greece to deploy 18-meter electric buses, continuing its tradition of innovation that dates back to 1978 when it introduced articulated vehicles for the first time in the country. The construction of the second charging station marks a transition to a more technologically advanced era, ensuring seamless operation of the fleet, as is already the case with the 12-meter electric buses. Once completed, the Stavroupoli depot will become the heart of electrification for the western part of the city, guaranteeing buses with full autonomy, zero emissions, and low noise levels.

The project includes the installation of 25 chargers, each capable of simultaneously charging two buses, along with supporting infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient operation of the station.

Kostas Tagiris, Chairman and CEO of OASTH, said:
“Thessaloniki is shifting gears. Electrification is here to stay and become part of our daily reality. With the second charging station in Stavroupoli, we are investing in infrastructure that will serve the city for decades, providing citizens with clean and reliable public transport.”

Thomas Vranos, CEO of ANETH, added:
“We are proud to collaborate with OASTH for the second time on another charging station. This strategic infrastructure will ensure smooth operation of the 50 new articulated electric buses and play a crucial role in Thessaloniki’s green transition.”

With the deployment of the new vehicles by September, OASTH will operate a total of 160 electric buses, surpassing 50% of the fleet. The overall plan foresees a complete fleet renewal by 2027, with all vehicles featuring advanced, low-emission technology.