Editing Proastiakos

{{Short description|Commuter rail service in Greece}}
{{more citations needed|date=July 2015}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2013}}
{{Infobox rail service
| box_width       = 
| name            = Proastiakos
| color           = 
| logo            = Proastiakos ENG LOGO 3.PNG
| logo_width      = 
| image           = 20070606-Piraeus-Desiro_GTW.jpg
| image_width     = 
| caption         = Piraeus suburban railway station, June 2007
| type            = 
| status          = 
| locale          = [[Athens]], [[Thessaloniki]], [[Patras]]
| predecessor     = 
| first           = 
| last            = 
| successor       = 
| operator        = [[Hellenic Train]]
| formeroperator  = 
| ridership       = 10.1 million (2020)
| ridership2      = 
| website         = 
| start           = 
| stops           = 
| end             = 
| distance        = 
| journeytime     = 
| frequency       = 
| trainnumber     = 
| line_used       = 
| class           = 
| access          = 
| seating         = 
| sleeping        = 
| autorack        = 
| catering        = 
| observation     = 
| entertainment   = 
| baggage         = 
| otherfacilities = 
| stock           = 
| gauge           = 
| el              = 
| speed           = 
| trainlength     = 
| owners          = 
| routenumber     = 
| maintenance     =
| sharing         =
| map             = {{Proastiakos services}}
| map_state       = collapsed
}}
The '''Proastiakos''' ({{langx|el|Προαστιακός}}; "suburban") is Greece's [[commuter rail]] service, run by [[Hellenic Train]], on rail infrastructure owned by the [[Hellenic Railways Organisation]] (OSE) (lines) and [[GAIAOSE]] (buildings and Trains). These services connect a participating city's [[Central station|central railway station]] to important locations such as a city's port or airport, as well as its suburbs and occasionally nearby towns and cities.

As of September 2020, there are three Proastiakos networks serving the country's three largest cities: [[Athens Suburban Railway|Athens]], [[Thessaloniki]], and [[Patras]], providing them with commuter rail links towards their suburbs and also with regional services to other cities and towns. In 2016, the three systems carried 10.1&nbsp;million passengers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trainose.gr/en/company/|title=Company - TrainOSE|website=www.trainose.gr|access-date=29 May 2020}}</ref>

As of 8 January 2017, the lines between the central stations of Athens and Halkida have been electrified, allowing EMU train service. The lines have been changed, making Athens's central station the main layover station. Those lines are Athens – [[Athens International Airport|ATH]], Athens – [[Kiato]], Athens – [[Chalcis]].

In [[Thessaloniki]], there are two Proastiakos services. The first connects the city's [[Thessaloniki railway station|Main Railway Station]] with the cities of [[Katerini]] and [[Larissa]], and the second links the city with [[Edessa railway station|Edessa]].

In July 2010, a new [[commuter rail]] service was launched in [[Patras]] on a section of the old [[Patras–Kyparissia railway|Patras–Kyparissia line]]<ref name=OSE>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ose.gr/en/o-s-e/network?download=78:network-statement-2017-2-2|title=OSE - 2017 Network Statement Annexes}}</ref> reconnecting the city with [[Rio, Greece|Rio]]. The service was later extended to [[Agios Andreas railway station|Agios Andreas]] as Line P2. In 2020 services were reconnected to [[Kato Achaia railway station|Kato Achaia]]<ref name=OSE>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ose.gr/en/o-s-e/network?download=78:network-statement-2017-2-2|title=OSE - 2017 Network Statement Annexes}}</ref> via [[Agios Andreas railway station|Agios Andreas]] as Line P1.

==History==
{{unreferenced section|date=August 2017}}
[[File:Athens Proastiakos map.jpg|thumb|[[Athens Suburban Railway]] map c.2012, in English and Greek]]

The concept of regular and frequent suburban and commuter rail services was introduced in Greece in the 1990s. It became possible due to extra capacity becoming available through improvements to the existing lines and the construction of new ones. In the past, suburban services ran on very infrequent timetables and were not very popular.

The construction of a new rail line between central Athens, its eastern suburbs, and the new [[Athens International Airport]] was decided in 1992–1993. During the construction of [[Attiki Odos]] motorway in the late 1990s, space was left between the main carriageways for the railway line. After two years of construction, the line to Athens International Airport opened in 2004. The first suburban services between Athens and the Airport were inaugurated using Stadler GTW and Siemens Desiro DMU trains.

On 27 September 2005, the new standard gauge rail line reached [[Corinth]], terminating at a new station, located at [[Examilia]]. This line today is served by "Proastiakos" suburban services, while initially "Proastiakos" trains stopped at Nea Peramos, Megara, Kinetta, and Agioi Theodoroi. On 18 July 2006, three new stations were added: Ano Liosia, Aspropyrgos, and Magoula. On 4 June 2007, the line was extended from Athens Central Station to the port of [[Piraeus]] with 3 intermediate stations at [[Lefka railway station|Lefka]], [[Rentis railway station|Rentis]], and [[Rouf railway station|Rouf]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Τα δρομολόγια του Προαστιακού της Αθήνας |url=https://www.athenstransport.com/proastiakos/ |website=Athens Transport |access-date=20 December 2024 |language=el |date=18 December 2024}}</ref> This extension linked the airport with the port of Piraeus. On 9 July 2007, Proastiakos services reached the new station at [[Kiato]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=hellenictrain.gr |first1=hellenictrain |title=Athens Suburban and Regional Railway |url=https://www.hellenictrain.gr/en/athens-suburban-and-regional-railway |website=hellenictrain |access-date=19 December 2024}}</ref>

[[Hellenic Train]] also runs "Proastiakos" commuter rail services between the cities of [[Thessaloniki]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=hellenictrain.gr |first1=hellenictrain |title=Athens Suburban and Regional Railway |url=https://www.hellenictrain.gr/en/athens-suburban-and-regional-railway |website=hellenictrain |access-date=19 December 2024}}</ref> and [[Larissa]], on the modernised and electrified main line. The service initially operated from [[Thessaloniki]] to [[Litochoro]] in 2007 and was extended to [[Larissa]] in 2008.

In 2009 the brand name "Proastiakos"<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kassimi |first1=Alexandra |title=Proastiakos introduces social distancing measures {{!}} eKathimerini.com |url=https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/252309/proastiakos-introduces-social-distancing-measures/ |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=www.ekathimerini.com |date=5 May 2020 |language=English}}</ref> was also used for a short-lived regional service of four trains in each direction per day, connecting the cities of Xanthi, Komotini, and Alexandroupolis in the region of Western Thrace.

In 2010, [[Hellenic Train|TrainOSE]] created the [[Proastiakos patras|Proastiakos Patras]] service which runs on the old Athens-Patras line from [[Agios Andreas railway station|Agios Andreas]] to Agios Vassileos.

In May 2020 TrainOSE updated its electronic ticketing system to support social distancing on all Proastiakos services. The system stopped selling tickets when capacity on that train had reached 50 percent, TrainOSE CEO Filippos Tsalidis told reporters during a press briefing on safety measures to prevent Covid-19 infection during travel.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kassimi |first1=Alexandra |title=Proastiakos introduces social distancing measures {{!}} eKathimerini.com |url=https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/252309/proastiakos-introduces-social-distancing-measures/ |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=www.ekathimerini.com |date=5 May 2020 |language=English}}</ref>

==Athens Suburban Railway==
{{main|Athens Suburban Railway}}
[[Image:Proastiakos commons.jpg|right|thumb|A Stadler GTW-2/6 DMU train in [[Athens railway station]]]]
[[File:Attica 06-13 Kifissias Avenue train stop.jpg|thumb|[[Kifisias railway station]] on '''Lines A1 and A2''']]

The Athens Suburban Railway consists of five routes: [[Piraeus station|Piraeus]]–[[Athens Airport Station|Airport]] via [[Athens railway station|Athens]], Piraeus–[[Kiato railway station|Kiato]] via Athens, Athens–[[Chalcis railway station|Chalcis]] via [[Oinoi railway station|Oinoi]], [[Ano Liosia railway station|Ano Liosia]]–Airport via [[Koropi station|Koropi]], and [[Aigio railway station|Aigio]]–Athens/Airport via Kiato.<ref name="TrainOSE 1">{{cite web |title=Athens Suburban Railway |url=http://www.trainose.gr/en/passenger-activity/suburban-railway/athens-suburban-railway/ |publisher=[[TrainOSE]] |accessdate=23 August 2020 |location=Athens}}</ref> Trains run from 4:30 am to midnight daily, and there are 53 stations in total.<ref name="TrainOSE 1" />

On 18 January 2012, services were "temporarily" suspended on routes from [[Piraeus station|Piraeus]] - [[Ano Liossia station|Ano Liossia]].<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.athenstransport.com/2012/06/proastiakos-7/|title=Υπολειτουργεί ο Προαστιακός της Αθήνας, αλλά παραδίδονται νέοι σταθμοί|date=June 25, 2012}}</ref> According to a [[TrainOSE]] spokesperson, the interruption is due to technical problems; however no information on the progress of any work was given,<ref name="auto1"/> services were rerouted via [[Acharnes Railway Center|SKA]].

The following table lists the routes and the stations for the Athens Suburban Railway since 15 May 2022:<ref name="TrainOSE 1" />

{| class="sortable wikitable"
|+ Athens Suburban Railway routes
! class="unsortable"|{{abbr|Prefix|Train number prefixes}}
! class="sortable"|Route number
! class="unsortable"|Route
! Stations
! Length
! {{abbr|Time|Journey time}}
! class="unsortable"|{{abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
| {{mono|12xx}}
| {{mono|A1}}
| {{stn|Piraeus}}–{{rws|Athens}}–{{stn|Athens Airport}}
| 19
| {{val|48.23|u=km}}
| {{Duration|1:03}}
| <ref name="timetable-1a">{{cite web|title=Itineraries Piraeus-Athens-Airport|url=https://www.hellenictrain.gr/sites/default/files/2022-06/ΠΕΙΡΑΙΑΣ-ΑΘΗΝΑ-%20Α.%20ΛΙΟΣΙΑ-ΚΟΡΩΠΙ-ΑΕΡΟΔΡΟΜΙΟ%20ΓΙΑ%20ΕΠΙΒΑΤΕΣ_15.05.2022_final_0.pdf|website=Hellenic Train|access-date=19 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724190432/https://www.hellenictrain.gr/sites/default/files/2022-06/ΠΕΙΡΑΙΑΣ-ΑΘΗΝΑ-%20Α.%20ΛΙΟΣΙΑ-ΚΟΡΩΠΙ-ΑΕΡΟΔΡΟΜΙΟ%20ΓΙΑ%20ΕΠΙΒΑΤΕΣ_15.05.2022_final_0.pdf|archive-date=24 July 2022|location=Athens|language=Greek|date=20 June 2022}}</ref><ref name="timetable-1b">{{cite web|title=Itineraries Airport-Athens-Piraeus|url=https://www.hellenictrain.gr/sites/default/files/2022-06/ΑΕΡΟΔΡΟΜΙΟ-ΚΟΡΩΠΙ-Α.%20ΛΙΟΣΙΑ-ΑΘΗΝΑ-ΠΕΙΡΑΙΑΣ%20ΓΙΑ%20ΕΠΙΒΑΤΕΣ_15.05.2022_final_0.pdf|website=Hellenic Train|access-date=19 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724190452/https://www.hellenictrain.gr/sites/default/files/2022-06/ΑΕΡΟΔΡΟΜΙΟ-ΚΟΡΩΠΙ-Α.%20ΛΙΟΣΙΑ-ΑΘΗΝΑ-ΠΕΙΡΑΙΑΣ%20ΓΙΑ%20ΕΠΙΒΑΤΕΣ_15.05.2022_final_0.pdf|archive-date=24 July 2022|location=Athens|language=Greek|date=20 June 2022}}</ref><ref name="network-2022">{{cite web|title=Network Statement: Annexes|url=https://ose.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/OSE_2022_ENGLISH_annex_sf.pdf|website=OSE|access-date=19 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919211318/https://ose.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/OSE_2022_ENGLISH_annex_sf.pdf|archive-date=19 September 2022|location=Athens|date=6 December 2021}}</ref>{{rp|pages=2,23}}
|-
| {{mono|13xx}}, {{mono|23xx}}
| {{mono|A4}}
| {{stn|Piraeus}}–{{rws|Athens}}–{{rws|Kiato}}
| 20
| {{val|120.70|u=km}}
| {{Duration|1:40}}
| <ref name="timetable-2">{{cite web|title=Itineraries Piraeus-Kiato-Piraeus|url=https://www.hellenictrain.gr/sites/default/files/2022-06/ΚΙΑΤΟ-ΑΘΗΝΑ-ΠΕΙΡΑΙΑΣ%20ΓΙΑ%20ΕΠΙΒΑΤΕΣ_15.05.2022_final_0.pdf|website=Hellenic Train|access-date=19 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724190413/https://www.hellenictrain.gr/sites/default/files/2022-06/ΚΙΑΤΟ-ΑΘΗΝΑ-ΠΕΙΡΑΙΑΣ%20ΓΙΑ%20ΕΠΙΒΑΤΕΣ_15.05.2022_final_0.pdf|archive-date=24 July 2022|location=Athens|language=Greek|date=20 June 2022}}</ref><ref name="network-2022"/>{{rp|pages=2,8,11}}
|-
| {{mono|15xx}}, {{mono|25xx}}, {{mono|35xx}}
| {{mono|A3}}
| {{rws|Athens}}–{{rws|Chalcis}}
| 17
| {{val|82.80|u=km}}
| {{Duration|1:18}}
| <ref name="timetable-3">{{cite web|title=Itineraries Athens-Chalkida-Athens|url=https://www.hellenictrain.gr/sites/default/files/2022-06/ΑΘΗΝΑ-ΧΑΛΚΙΔΑ%20ΓΙΑ%20ΕΠΙΒΑΤΕΣ_15.05.2022_final%20_0.pdf|website=Hellenic Train|access-date=19 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724190405/https://www.hellenictrain.gr/sites/default/files/2022-06/ΑΘΗΝΑ-ΧΑΛΚΙΔΑ%20ΓΙΑ%20ΕΠΙΒΑΤΕΣ_15.05.2022_final%20_0.pdf|archive-date=24 July 2022|location=Athens|language=Greek|date=20 June 2022}}</ref><ref name="network-2022"/>{{rp|2}}
|-
| {{mono|22xx}}
| {{mono|A2}}
| {{rws|Ano Liosia}}–{{stn|Paiania–Kantza}}–{{stn|Athens Airport}}
| 12
| {{val|33.18|u=km}}
| {{Duration|0:34}}
| rowspan="2"|<ref name="timetable-1a"/><ref name="timetable-1b"/><ref name="network-2022"/>{{rp|pages=8,23}}
|-
| {{mono|42xx}}
| {{mono|A2}}
| {{rws|Ano Liosia}}–{{stn|Paiania–Kantza}}
| 10
| {{val|18.60|u=km}}
| {{Duration|0:23}}
|-
| {{mono|3xx}}
|
| {{rws|Kiato}}–{{rws|Aigio}}
| 9
| {{val|70.38|u=km}}
| {{Duration|0:52}}
| <ref name="network-2022"/>{{rp|9}}
|}

===Connections===
The suburban railway connects with the other urban railways of Athens at the following stations:
* [[Piraeus]]: The suburban station is located close to the [[Piraeus station|Metro Line 1 terminus]], as well as the [[Line 3 (Athens Metro)|Metro Line 3]] station.
* [[Athens railway station|Athens Central Station]]: connection with [[Line 2 (Athens Metro)|Metro line 2]].
* [[Neratziotissa station|Neratziotissa]]: Connection with [[Line 1 (Athens Metro)|Metro Line 1]].
* [[Doukissis Plakentias station|Plakentias]]: connection with [[Line 3 (Athens Metro)|Metro line 3]].
* [[Kato Acharnes railway station|Kato Acharnes]]: connecting the line Kiato-Piraeus with Piraeus-Airport and Chalcis-Athens.
* [[Acharnes Railway Center|Acharnes (SKA)]]: passengers can transfer to the mainline and regional rail service of Greece. Also, connecting the Ano Liosia-Airport and Athens-Chalkis lines.
* [[Pallini station|Pallini]]: shared station with Metro line 3.
* [[Paiania–Kantza station|Paiania–Kantza]]: shared station with Metro line 3.
* [[Koropi station|Koropi]]: shared station with Metro line 3.
* [[Athens International Airport#Railway and Metro|Airport]]: shared station with Metro line 3.
* [[Kiato railway station|Kiato]]: passengers can transfer to Hellenic Train bus services to [[Patras]].

==Thessaloniki Suburban Railway==
{{main|Thessaloniki Suburban Railway}}
[[File:C1.16 Bf ThessalonÍki, 560 216.jpg|right|thumb|A Stadler GTW-2/6 DMU train in [[Thessaloniki new railway station]]]]
[[File:Bahnhof Leptokaria.JPG|thumb|[[Leptokarya railway station]] on '''Line 1''']] 
[[File:Proastiakosthess.png|thumb|[[Thessaloniki Suburban Railway|Thessaloniki Proastiakos]] map c.2012, (before Line 3 was introduced)]]

The Suburban railway in [[Thessaloniki]] consists of three routes: one from [[New railway station (Thessaloniki)|Thessaloniki]] to [[Larissa railway station|Larissa]], one from Thessaloniki to [[Florina railway station|Florina]].{{Citation needed|date=July 2013}}  and one to [[Serres railway station|Serres]]. Services run from approximately 5:00&nbsp;am to midnight daily<ref name="first-last">{{cite web|url=http://www.stasy.gr/index.php?id=67&L=1|title=Urban Rail Transport S.A.: First & Last Train Departures|publisher=Urban Rail Transport S.A. (STASY)|access-date=2013-07-25}}</ref><ref name="schedules">{{cite web|url=http://www.stasy.gr/index.php?id=403&L=1|title=Urban Rail Transport S.A.: Detailed TRAM Timetables|publisher=Urban Rail Transport S.A. (STASY)|access-date=2013-07-25}}</ref> Thessaloniki Suburban Railway consists of three lines:

* Line 1 {{rint|thessaloniki|p1}} connects {{rws|Larissa}} and {{rws|Thessaloniki}}, with some trains starting at {{rws|Palaiofarsalos}}.
* Line 2 {{rint|thessaloniki|p2}} runs between Thessaloniki and [[Florina]], with some trains starting at {{rws|Edessa}}.
* Line 3 {{rint|thessaloniki|p3}} connects {{rws|Thessaloniki}} and [[Serres railway station|Serres]].

Trains run from approximately 6:00 am to 22:00 pm daily on a fairly irregular basis, roughly once an hour. Both lines, however, somewhat complement each other between Thessaloniki and [[Platy railway station|Platy]].<ref name="larissaschedule">{{cite web|title=Schedule Kalambaka–Larisa–Thessaloniki|url=http://www.trainose.gr/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/%CE%94%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%BC%CE%BF%CE%BB%CF%8C%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%B1-%CE%9A%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%B1%CE%BC%CF%80%CE%AC%CE%BA%CE%B1-%CE%9B%CE%AC%CF%81%CE%B9%CF%83%CE%B1-%CE%98%CE%B5%CF%83%CF%83%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%BF%CE%BD%CE%AF%CE%BA%CE%B7.pdf|publisher=[[TrainOSE]]|accessdate=1 March 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081928/http://www.trainose.gr/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/%CE%94%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%BC%CE%BF%CE%BB%CF%8C%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%B1-%CE%9A%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%B1%CE%BC%CF%80%CE%AC%CE%BA%CE%B1-%CE%9B%CE%AC%CF%81%CE%B9%CF%83%CE%B1-%CE%98%CE%B5%CF%83%CF%83%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%BF%CE%BD%CE%AF%CE%BA%CE%B7.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="florinaschedule">{{cite web|title=Schedule Thessaloniki–Edessa–Florina|url=http://www.trainose.gr/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/%CE%94%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%BC%CE%BF%CE%BB%CF%8C%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%B1-%CE%98%CE%B5%CF%83%CF%83%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%BF%CE%BD%CE%AF%CE%BA%CE%B7-%CE%88%CE%B4%CE%B5%CF%83%CF%83%CE%B1-%CE%A6%CE%BB%CF%8E%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%BD%CE%B1.pdf|publisher=[[TrainOSE]]|accessdate=1 March 2015|archive-date=14 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914072923/http://www.trainose.gr/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/%CE%94%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%BC%CE%BF%CE%BB%CF%8C%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%B1-%CE%98%CE%B5%CF%83%CF%83%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%BF%CE%BD%CE%AF%CE%BA%CE%B7-%CE%88%CE%B4%CE%B5%CF%83%CF%83%CE%B1-%CE%A6%CE%BB%CF%8E%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%BD%CE%B1.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 17 July 2014 services were cut back from eight to six services a day from Thessaloniki To Edessa.<ref name=florinaschedule/>

{| class=wikitable
|+ Thessaloniki Suburban Railway routes
! Route
! Opening
! First section opened
! Latest section opened
! Latest station opened
! Route
! Length
! Electric
! Top Speed
! Stations
|-
| {{rint|thessaloniki|p1}}
| 7 September 2007 (Litochoro–Thessaloniki)<br />
7 September 2008 ({{stl|Proastiakos Thessaloniki|Larissa}}–Litochoro)
| 
| 
| 
| {{rws|Thessaloniki}}–{{stl|Proastiakos Thessaloniki|Larissa}}
| {{convert|165.2|km|mi|abbr=on}}
| Yes
| {{convert|160|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}
| 12
|-
| {{rint|thessaloniki|p2}}
| 25 January 2008 (Thessaloniki–{{stl|Proastiakos Thessaloniki|Edessa}})<br />
10 August 2013 (Edessa–{{stl|Proastiakos Thessaloniki|Florina}})
| 
| 
| 
| {{rws|Thessaloniki}}–{{stl|Proastiakos Thessaloniki|Florina}}
| {{convert|111.7|km|mi|abbr=on}}
| No
| {{convert|120|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}
| 17
|-
|{{rint|thessaloniki|p3}}
|3 February 2020 (Thessaloniki– Serres)
| 
| 
| 
|{{rws|Thessaloniki}}–{{stl|Proastiakos Thessaloniki|Serres}}
|{{convert|158.9|km|mi|abbr=on}}
| No
|
|20
|}


===Connections===
* Thessaloniki: future connection to [[Thessaloniki Metro]]

Services '''towards Larissa''' also connect to the following long-distance and regional rail services:
* Platy: passengers can transfer to the regional rail service of Western Macedonia (towards Verroia, Edessa, Amyntaio, Florina and Kozani).
* Larissa: passengers can transfer to the mainline and regional rail service as well as trains to Volos.
Services '''towards Serres''' also connect to the following long-distance and regional rail services:
* Serres: passengers can transfer to the regional rail service to Central Macedonia (towards Gazoros and Alexandroupoli)

==Patras Suburban Railway==
[[File:Sidirodromikos Stathmos Iteon Proastiakou Patras.jpg|thumb|[[Ities railway station]] on Line 1, March 2020]]
[[File:Suburban rail Patras.jpg|thumb|[[Panachaiki railway station|Panachaiki station]] on Line 2. 2011]]
[[File:Patras Suburban Railway Map.png|thumb|363x363px|Patras Suburban Railway lines as of March 2024]]
Suburban railway of [[Patras]] consists of two routes. The first route from [[Saint Andrew of Patras|Agios Andreas]] station to the eastern suburb of [[Agios Vasileios, Achaea|Agios Vasileios]] began service on July 9, 2010. The route sees high passenger numbers as it serves the University of Patras and densely populated neighbourhoods and suburbs that are poorly served by other means of transport. For that reason, a bus shuttle service runs from [[Kastellokampos]] to the [[General University Hospital of Patras]] and the [[University of Patras]] campus.<ref name="patras">{{cite web | url = http://www.trainose.gr/en/passenger-activity/suburban-railway/patras-suburban-railway/ | title = Patras Suburban Railway | website = trainose.gr | access-date = 12 February 2015}}</ref> Trains run hourly from 6:23 in the morning until 23:23 in the evening, on both directions, every day.<ref name="patras"/> It serves 8 stations:

*[[Agios Andreas railway station|Agios Andreas]] (Interchange station with the Kato Achaia line)
*[[Agios Vasileios railway station|Agios Vasileios]]
*[[Agyia railway station|Agyia]]
*[[Aktaion railway station|Aktaion]]
*[[Bozaitika railway station|Bozaitika]]
*[[Kastellokampos railway station|Kastellokampos]] (bus shuttle to University of Patras and General University Hospital)
*[[Patras railway station|Patras Central Station]] 
*[[Rio railway station|Rio]]

Due to upgrade works on the Athens - Patras line, the section between Agios Vasileios and Rio has been closed, so trains now terminate at Rio station. However, a bus replacement service from Kastellokampos serves both Aktaion and Agios Vasileios. Plans also have been proposed to bring the section underground in central Patras.<ref name="R-PRO20">{{cite web |title=Underground railway link in Patras proposed by the Infrastructure Minister |url=https://www.railwaypro.com/wp/underground-concept-proposed-for-patras-railway-link/ |website=Railway PRO |access-date=30 January 2025 |date=13 July 2020}}</ref>

The following table lists the routes and the stations for [[Patras]] Suburban services are:

{| class=wikitable
|+ Patras Suburban Railway routes
! Route
! Opening
! First section opened
! Latest section opened
! Latest station opened
! Route
! Length
! Electric
! Top Speed
! Stations
|-
| P1
| {{dts|format=dmy|2020|2|29}}
| 
|
|
| {{rws|Kato Achaia}}–{{rws|Agios Andreas}}
| {{convert|12.5|km|mi|abbr=on}}
| No
| 
| 10
|-
| P2
| {{dts|format=dmy|2010|7|9}}
| 
|
|
| {{rws|Agios Andreas}}–{{rws|Rio}}
| 
| No
| 
| 7
|} 

On February 29, 2020, passenger services began on the second route, extending from [[Saint Andrew of Patras|Agios Andreas]] all the way to [[Kato Achaia]]. The extension runs on part of the old single [[meter-gauge]] Patras-Pyrgos line.

In the early phase of operation, trains run from Kato Achaia to Patras Central Station. They will be departing from Patras Central Station every 2 hours from 6:37 to 14:37 and then from Kato Achaia Station every 2 hours from 7:41 to 15:41.<ref name="trainose.gr">{{cite web |url=http://www.trainose.gr/deltia/%ce%b1%ce%bd%ce%b1%ce%ba%ce%bf%ce%af%ce%bd%cf%89%cf%83%ce%b7-27-02-2020-%ce%ad%ce%bd%ce%b1%cf%81%ce%be%ce%b7-%ce%bd%ce%ad%cf%89%ce%bd-%ce%b4%cf%81%ce%bf%ce%bc%ce%bf%ce%bb%ce%bf%ce%b3%ce%af%cf%89/ |title = Ανακοίνωση 27/02/2020 - Έναρξη νέων δρομολογίων του προαστιακού από και προς την Κάτω Αχαϊά - TrainOSE}}</ref>

For the first three days of operation (29/02-02/03) the early morning services of 6:37 and 7:41 will not be run, although a back and forth journey at 16:37 to Kato Achaia and at 17:41 to Patras Central Station is going to be run.<ref name="trainose.gr"/> This special schedule is organised in order to help visitors move around the city and its suburbs during the [[Patras Carnival]] going on that weekend.

Although regular passenger service will not see trains running in the evening, it is expected that from May onwards, when the tourist and summer season begins, trains will run hourly back and forth in order to accommodate the increased passenger flows towards the popular summer spots in Western Achaia.

The extension is 22&nbsp;km long and has 11 stops. These are:

*[[Patras railway station|Patras Central Station]]
*[[Agios Andreas railway station|Agios Andreas]] (Interchange station with the Rio line)
*Odos Antheias (''Antheias Street'')
*[[Ities railway station|Ities]]
*[[Paralia railway station|Paralia]]
*[[Midilogli railway station|Midilogli]]
*[[Vrachneika railway station|Vrachneika]]
*[[Tsoukaleika railway station|Tsoukaleika]](*)
*[[Kaminia railway station|Kaminia]]
*[[Alissos railway station|Alissos]]
*[[Kato Achaia railway station|Kato Achaia]]

(*)A bus shuttle service will run from Tsoukaleika to the Patras Industrial Area, serving people who work there.

The total journey time from end to end is around 30 minutes with a top speed of 75&nbsp;km/h, although the line has the capacity to run at 90&nbsp;km/h.

'''Fares'''

The price for a standard ticket is €1,40(€1 reduced ticket). However, the fare is expected to change after March 2, as a new fare and zone policy<ref name="trainose.gr"/> will take effect as follows:

'''Zone A''': Rion - Agios Andreas

'''Zone B''': Patras Central/Agios Andreas - Tsoukaleika

'''Zone C''': Tsoukaleika - Kato Achaia

The bus shuttle/replacement services are included in the same ticket. This means passengers do not have to pay more than the standard (or reduced) fare of €1,40 (or €1) to use both the train and the bus.

===Changes on the Kato Achagia Line (South Sector)===

Shortly after services started on the line, major changes were made. Bad line enclosure prohibited high speeds (less than 50km/h) on the section from Patras Central to Midilogli station, which in turn made connections between the two lines slow and inefficient. These two factors and poor advertising of the new service did not produce big passenger numbers. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown imposed made things worse for that line, and shortly after, services were suspended indefinitely.

On July 9, 2020, Proastiakos Patras celebrated its 10th birthday. Five days earlier, on 4th July, after the lockdown was lifted, services on the South sector recommenced,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.trainose.gr/deltia/%ce%b1%ce%bd%ce%b1%ce%ba%ce%bf%ce%b9%ce%bd%cf%89%cf%83%ce%b7-03-07-2020-%ce%b5%cf%80%ce%b1%ce%bd%ce%b1%cf%83%cf%87%ce%b5%ce%b4%ce%b9%ce%b1%cf%83%ce%bc%cf%8c%cf%82-%ce%ba%ce%b1%ce%b9-%ce%bd%ce%ad/ |title = ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΗ 03/07/2020 - Επανασχεδιασμός και Νέα δρομολόγια στον Προαστιακό Πάτρας, για την καλύτερη εξυπηρέτηση του επιβατικού κοινού, από Σάββατο 04.07.2020 - TrainOSE}}</ref> albeit on a shorter route. In order to maximize connection efficiency with the North sector (Rion-Agios Andreas), the route was altered to service the section between Agios Andreas and Kaminia. Alissos and Kato Achagia stations remain inactive to this day. However, works on safeguarding the line have been since going on, with new fences surrounding the line on key parts where it is otherwise problematic.
When works are finished, it is expected that trains will reach speeds of 50km/h between Agios Andreas and Midilogli, the section on where such speeds were previously prohibited. This increase in speed should allow trains to reach the original terminus in Kato Achagia in less than 30 minutes, reinstating the original extension with a more than reliable, fast, and efficient connection with Patras and the North sector of the system.

The new service from Agios Andreas to Kaminia saw trains initially run hourly from 6:30 till 15:00. On October 10, the timetables changed and trains are since running hourly again, from 6:30 till 18:00.<ref>[https://www.trainose.gr/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/%CE%94%CE%A1%CE%9F%CE%9C%CE%9F%CE%9B%CE%9F%CE%93%CE%99%CE%91-%CE%91%CE%93.-%CE%91%CE%9D%CE%94%CE%A1%CE%95%CE%91%CE%A3-%CE%9A%CE%91%CE%9C%CE%99%CE%9D%CE%99%CE%91_%CE%93%CE%99%CE%91-%CE%95%CE%A0%CE%99%CE%92%CE%91%CE%A4%CE%95%CE%A3_10.10.2020.pdf Hellenic train]TrainOSE.gr 10 October 2020 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127042403/https://www.trainose.gr/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/%CE%94%CE%A1%CE%9F%CE%9C%CE%9F%CE%9B%CE%9F%CE%93%CE%99%CE%91-%CE%91%CE%93.-%CE%91%CE%9D%CE%94%CE%A1%CE%95%CE%91%CE%A3-%CE%9A%CE%91%CE%9C%CE%99%CE%9D%CE%99%CE%91_%CE%93%CE%99%CE%91-%CE%95%CE%A0%CE%99%CE%92%CE%91%CE%A4%CE%95%CE%A3_10.10.2020.pdf |date=27 January 2021 }}</ref>

The fare system has changed, too, as the previously mentioned 3-zone fare policy was suspended indefinitely. Both lines are a single fare zone. The standard fare is €1,40, and the reduced fare is €1.00.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.trainose.gr/%ce%b5%cf%80%ce%b9%ce%b2%ce%b1%cf%84%ce%b9%ce%ba%cf%8c-%ce%ad%cf%81%ce%b3%ce%bf/%cf%80%cf%81%ce%bf%ce%b1%cf%83%cf%84%ce%b9%ce%b1%ce%ba%cf%8c%cf%82-%cf%83%ce%b9%ce%b4%ce%b7%cf%81%cf%8c%ce%b4%cf%81%ce%bf%ce%bc%ce%bf%cf%82/%cf%80%cf%81%ce%bf%ce%b1%cf%83%cf%84%ce%b9%ce%b1%ce%ba%cf%8c%cf%82-%cf%80%ce%ac%cf%84%cf%81%ce%b1%cf%82/ |title=Προαστιακός Πάτρας |website=TrainOSE |access-date=2021-03-27 |archive-date=2021-04-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210405180721/https://www.trainose.gr/%CE%B5%CF%80%CE%B9%CE%B2%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%BA%CF%8C-%CE%AD%CF%81%CE%B3%CE%BF/%CF%80%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%B1%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%B1%CE%BA%CF%8C%CF%82-%CF%83%CE%B9%CE%B4%CE%B7%CF%81%CF%8C%CE%B4%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%BC%CE%BF%CF%82/%CF%80%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%B1%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%B1%CE%BA%CF%8C%CF%82-%CF%80%CE%AC%CF%84%CF%81%CE%B1%CF%82/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Rolling stock==

Proastiakos uses rolling stock owned by GAIAOSE and maintained by Hellenic Train. Currently{{when|date=July 2015}} multiple units are used almost exclusively. [[Siemens Desiro]] 5-car electric multiple units (EMU) are used for Piraeus - Athens - Airport,   Piraeus - Athens - Kiato, Athens – Chalkis and Thessaloniki - Larisa services, while [[Stadler GTW|Stadler GTW-2/6]] and MAN-2000 diesel two-car multiple units (DMU-2) are used for the Patras-Rio and Patras-Kato Achagia services. As these DMUs have limited passenger carrying capacity, two or three DMUs are coupled together, when rolling stock availability allows it.

In late 2020 however, [[TrainOSE]] announced plans to purchase new rolling stock which will consist of double decker EMU's, preferably from the Italian market. <ref>{{Cite web |title=ΤΡΑΙΝΟΣΕ: Έρχονται τα νέα τρένα, σχέδια για επιπλέον τρένα και στον Προαστιακό |url=https://www.news247.gr/oikonomia/trainose-erchontai-ta-nea-trena-schedia-gia-epipleon-trena-kai-ston-proastiako.9054278.html |access-date=2022-03-15 |website=www.news247.gr |date=19 November 2020 |language=el}}</ref>

==Fares==
{{unreferenced section|date=August 2017}}
Standard tickets (€1,40), valid on all urban buses and trains, are also valid on Proastiakos trains between Piraeus, SKA, Koropi and Magoula. Higher fares apply for travel to the Airport, between Magoula and Kiato; and between Thessaloniki and Larisa. A one-way ticket from Piraeus or central Athens to the Airport costs €8 (7.9 [https://tickets.trainose.gr/ on line]) and a return ticket €16 (15.5 [https://tickets.trainose.gr/ on line]).

Tickets must be validated on special ticket validation machines on the platform, before boarding the train. Return tickets must be re-validated before boarding a return train. There are no ticket validation machines on the trains.

==Future plans==
{{unreferenced section|date=August 2017}}
Addition of new routes and stations to Proastiakos services depends on the progress of a number of OSE infrastructure projects in Attica. The most important projects are:

* Construction of a three or four-track line between Rouf and SKA stations.
* Electrification of lines between Piraeus and SKA.
* Installation of signalling on lines between Piraeus and SKA.
* Construction of ten passenger platforms and one "through track" at Athens Central station.
* Construction of new stations at Tavros, Pyrgos Vasilissis, Lykotrypa, and Zevgolatio.

As of April 2011, the introduction of new and more frequent services is mainly hindered by limited line capacity between Rouf and SKA, and limited availability of diesel rolling stock for the non-electrified line.

===Section: Piraeus – S.K.A.===

A number of new stations and halts are under construction on this line and they shall be served by Proastiakos trains:

*Athens ([[Athens Central Railway Station]]): The station is extended with new platforms to serve future suburban services. Completed as of August 2017.
*[[Agioi Anargyroi]]: New four platform station served by mainline and suburban trains, plus a freight siding. The fast line platforms are already operational and are served by Suburban Railway and Athens-Chalkis trains. The slow lines are under construction.
*[[Pyrgos Vasilissis railway station|Pyrgos Vasilissis:]] Is open after the slow lines between Agioi Anargyroi and SKA are operational.
*[[Lykotrypa]]: Is open after the slow lines between Agioi Anargyroi and SKA are operational.
*[[Acharnai Railway Center|Acharnai Railway Center (SKA)]]: The station is partly open since 2011-04-05, extensive work is still required to finish the first phase of the complex.

===Section:  SKA – Koropi - Lavrio ===
The extension to [[Lavrio]] will mostly follow the alignment of the old Athens to Lavrio metric gauge line, which closed to passengers in 1957 and to goods in 1962. Most of the old alignment is still intact, and several bridges, all station buildings as well as the tracks themselves on many locations, are still in situ, but will need to be replaced as they were designed for a single metric gauge line, while the new one will be standard gauge and double-track for most of its length. The new line will branch off the airport line just beyond Koropi station, where existing infrastructure for a possible extension is already in place.

New stations will be built at:
*[[Markopoulo Mesogaias|Markopoulo]]
*[[Kalyvia Thorikou|Kalyvia]]
*[[Kouvaras]]
*[[Keratea]]
*[[Kalopigado]]
*[[Thoricus|Thoriko]]
*[[Laurium|Lavrio]]
*[[Port of Lavrio]]
or near the same site as their predecessors, the buildings of which, most of them listed structures, will hopefully be preserved. The line will be electrified upon inauguration. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Καραγιάννης |first=Νίκος |date=2021-12-13 |title=Αθήνα-Λιμάνι Λαυρίου σε 50 λεπτά με την επέκταση του Προαστιακού Σιδηροδρόμου στο Λαύριο |url=https://ypodomes.com/athina-limani-layrioy-se-50-lepta-me-tin-epektasi-toy-proastiakoy-sidirodromoy-sto-layrio/ |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=Ypodomes.com |language=el}}</ref>

===Section:  SKA – Pallini - Rafina ===
Future services to Rafina will be on new lines, currently{{when|date=August 2017}} securing funds. The line to [[Rafina]] shall branch off after Pallini station and will partly run on the central reservation of the Hymittus Ring Road. The stations will be:
*[[Pikermi]]
*Kallitechnoupoli
*[[Rafina]]

===Section: SKA – Corinth / Kiato / Aigio / Patras / Loutraki===
The existing line to Kiato has been extended to Aigio. The extension to Patras is under construction. A branch line to Loutraki is under construction.
* [[Zefyri]]: A new station to serve a future sports center.
* [[Xylokastro]]: New station with two platforms and pass-through line.
* [[Aigio]]: New station with three platforms.
* Loutraki branch:
**[[Isthmus of Corinth|Isthmos]]
**[[Loutraki]]

===Section: SKA – Halkida / Thiva===
These stations are on the existing mainline and are served by regional and mainline trains. They shall be served by Proastiakos suburban trains in the future, when electrification and adequate line capacity are available between Athens and SKA.
*[[Acharnai Railway Center|Acharnai Railway Center (SKA)]]
*[[Acharnes]]
*[[Dekeleia]]
*[[Agios Stefanos Railway Station|Agios Stefanos]]
*[[Afidnes]]
*[[Sfendali]]
*[[Avlonas, Attica|Avlonas]]
*[[Agios Thomas, Boeotia|Agios Thomas]]
*[[Oinofyta]]
*[[Oinoi]], Junction to [[Chalkis]] ([[Oinoi–Chalcis railway]])
**[[Kalochori-Panteichi]]
**[[Avlis (Proastiakos)|Avlis]]
**Steno
**[[Halkida]]
*[[Tanagra]]
*[[Elaion]]
*[[Ypaton]]
*[[Thiva]]

==See also==
* [[Hellenic Train]]
* [[Transport for Athens]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book | script-title=el:Από τα Παμφορεία στο Μετρό |author1=G. Nathenas |author2=A. Kourbelis |author3=T. Vlastos |author4=S. Kourouzidis |author5=V. Katsareas |author6=P. Karamanis |author7=A. Klonos |author8=N. Kokkinos | language=el | isbn=978-960-8460-91-1 | year=2007 | volume=2 | publisher=Μίλητος (Militos) | location=Athens }}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Greek Suburban Railway}}
* [http://www.trainose.gr/en/ TrainOSE S.A.]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080402050244/http://www.ose.gr/ose/content/Home.aspx?d=39&rd=16685622&f=-1&rf=-1&m=-1&rm=-1&l=1 Hellenic Railways Organisation (OSE)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060821120741/http://www.oasa.gr/index.asp?lang=en Athens Urban Transport Organisation (OASA)]

{{Public transport in Athens}}
{{Urban transport in Greece}}
{{coord missing|Greece}}

[[Category:Proastiakos| ]]
[[Category:Standard-gauge railways in Greece]]
[[Category:Metre-gauge railways in Greece]]