Thessaloniki opens new metro system with driverless trains after years of delays

Thessaloniki's new metro system opened on Saturday, featuring driverless trains. Thousands of residents braved rainy weather to experience the 13-station line, which has faced years of delays due to legal disputes and archaeological concerns. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis inaugurated the system, which has been in development since 1976. The project cost over 3 billion euros, with significant archaeological finds displayed at stations. Officials expect the metro to reduce daily car traffic by 57,000 and serve 254,000 passengers daily. Future extensions are planned, including five new stations by 2025 and a connection to Macedonia Airport, though that will take several more years.