Athens tram has successful test run

Test run OK for $380 million, still needs to be finished

updated 3:26 a.m. ET June 16, 2004

ATHENS, Greece - Athens’ new tram had a successful first test run Tuesday, moving from central Athens to the southern seaside suburbs where two major Olympic complexes are located.

The $380 million project had been so delayed the International Olympic Committee was concerned it would not be ready for the Aug. 13-29 Games.

“The general test of the tram was successful. Despite all the delays and problems that existed because of its course through densely populated urban areas, we finally did it,” Transport Minister Michalis Liapis said.

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Construction crews worked 24 hours a day to get the tram ready for the Olympics.

“We will turn it over for commercial use in one month,” Liapis said.

The system includes 35 trams, covers more than 16 miles and includes 47 stops. It is estimated that 80,000 to 90,000 people will use the tram each day.

Greece’s public train company also signed an agreement Tuesday allowing the Athens metro to use tracks on its suburban rail network to reach the city’s new airport.

A new suburban rail system will also run from the airport to the main Olympic Stadium north of the center and then to western Athens.