“Investigation of the possibility for exclusive use of Panepistimiou av. by public transport” carried out for the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change (2010-2011)

The Athens downtown area is characterized as a transportation “non-friendly” area for its inhabitants and visitors, despite its dense public transportation network and the possibility of walking, a fact attributed to the lack of infrastructures dedicated to sustainable transportation modes, the increased use of private vehicles and the limited space availability for traffic and parking. Existing operation of the Athens downtown arterials should be revised so that private vehicle usage is discouraged and sustainable forms of transportation promoted, while at the same time, commercial and cultural activities along these arterials are supported and upgraded. In this context, the research project aims (a) at investigating and analyzing transportation related parameters related with banning traffic along the areas main arterial (Panepistimiou Avenue), (b) examining the feasibility and providing detailed information associated with such an action and (c) updating existing corridor studies on a tram line traversing Panepistimiou Avenue.