Hellenic train to close ticket offices in Gümülcine, İskeçe, Dedeağaç, and Kumçiftliği
Hellenic Train has announced the closure of ticket offices at 34 railway stations across Greece as part of its plan to promote "alternative and more user-friendly ticket booking options" through its mobile app, website, customer service hotline (1-45-11), and onboard ticket sales. The closures are set to be implemented by March 31.
Among the affected stations are Gümülcine, İskeçe, Dedeağaç, and Kumçiftliği. In a protest letter, railway employees expressed concerns over the decision, stating:
"This move completely devalues the already struggling railway network and abandons the underprivileged regions. Stations will be left to decay and be vandalized. The railway is becoming a cold and impersonal means of transport. Passengers with disabilities and elderly travelers who rely on physical assistance for boarding and disembarking will be left without support. Who will inform passengers about track changes or delays? In the absence of a ticket office, how will passengers be compensated if needed? Where will they wait in harsh weather conditions? Many individuals, especially those unfamiliar with modern technology, will struggle with the company’s complex and inefficient website. Even young travelers find it difficult to navigate. Additionally, the customer service hotline charges €0.646 per minute from landlines and €0.984 per minute from mobile phones. Onboard ticket sales will no longer include return tickets or discounted fares for students, large families, or retirees, forcing them to pay full price."
The decision has sparked strong reactions from both employees and passengers, who argue that it will further deteriorate railway services in regional Greece.
