KTEL (Greece)

KTEL ( Greek KTEL SA ΚΤΕΛ Α.Ε. ) is a network of regional cooperatives that operate in Greece the network of long-distance bus. There are currently 53 companies with 3953 (or 4199 ) buses. They cover 80 % of passenger traffic.

KTEL is the abbreviation for Kina Tamia Ispráxeon Leoforíon ( Κοινά Ταμεία Εισπράξεων Λεωφορείων, shared revenue fund of the buses ).

Similarly, the Israeli Egged has this almost monopolistic position. Currently, a lifting of the state of the KTEL is discussed in order to allow more competition.

The buses transported to a small extent also parcels and mail, especially in remote regions, while ferries are used. In small towns and in the countryside the KTEL also takes over the local line traffic. In tourist regions individual KTEL companies also offer day tours.

Originally ordered the KTEL a unit fleet of Mercedes buses that were manufactured at Biamax. Since the abolition of import tariffs in the early 1990s, the various co-operatives employ other types. The KTEL buses are painted usually turquoise - cream; Exceptions are the buses of KTEL Thessaloniki, which uses an orange - cream-colored paint.

In Athens, there are two bus stations KTEL, at the Kifissou Avenue and at the Liossion Avenue.

History

In 1896, the first intercity buses were put into operation in Greece. With 14 seats they replaced older vehicles that had only seven seats. Each bus was reported as a separate company. The organizing themselves KTEL won a tender in 1912 to be allowed to operate the statewide bus, this was confirmed in 1925. 1939, the number of buses 1635th During World War II all the buses were confiscated and used to transport troops to the front in Albania, came only a few of them back.

In 1952 virtually a new company with 104 local KTEL cooperatives over 3311 mostly new buses possessed. 1984, the monopoly of the KTEL in metropolitan areas has been lifted. 2003 KTEL were legally converted into private companies with shareholders. After mergers still exist today 53 companies.