The Athens Metro has introduced AI cameras to monitor entrance gates and record instances of ticket evasion in the Perissos station daily. The pilot program, which is part of an effort to reduce ticket fraud and strengthen city surveillance, is already in operation on Line 1 at the Perissos station. The system tracks the number of passengers who validate their tickets and those who pass without paying. According to the Ministry of Transport, the goal is to gain a precise understanding of the extent of ticket fraud at each station.

Vice Minister of Transport, Constantinos Kyranakis, stated that the collected information will be used to better organize ticket inspections. The project relies on computer vision technology and has cost approximately €30,000 excluding VAT. During an event for urban communities, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis characterized limiting ticket fraud as a matter of social justice, while also emphasizing that social measures for reduced or free travel for vulnerable groups remain in place.

The latest figures show a significant increase in ticket inspections. In the Athens Urban Transport Organization, inspections exceeded 4.8 million in 2025, with a notable rise also recorded in OSY buses. The expansion of the AI system to more stations will be determined by the results of the pilot operation.

The Impact of AI Surveillance on Public Transportation

The deployment of AI cameras in the Athens Metro is part of a broader trend towards using advanced technology to enhance public safety and reduce fraud. This approach aims to ensure that the financial burden of maintaining public transportation is shared fairly among users. By accurately tracking and deterring ticket fraud, the system can help sustain the infrastructure that millions of Athenians rely on daily.

Social Justice and Urban Transportation

The initiative also reflects a broader commitment to social justice in urban transportation. While the AI system is designed to combat evasion and ensure fair usage, it is balanced with measures to support those who cannot afford full fares. This balance is crucial in ensuring that public transportation remains accessible and equitable for all Athenians, regardless of their economic status.