Thessaloniki faces funding gap for student bus transport as two contracts are declared void

The board of the Regional Union of Central Macedonia Municipalities warned that compensation rates for school‑bus operators must be raised to avoid the transportation tender for the Thessaloniki region being declared void. Regional deputy governor Kostas Gioutikas noted that the three‑year contract covering 2023‑2026 expired in June and that operators claim current reimbursements no longer cover the higher costs of fuel, drivers, assistants, insurance and vehicle maintenance.

Two subsequent tender procedures for the 2026‑2029 period were deemed unsuccessful, prompting the Antipregion to request that the Ministry of Interior amend the national algorithm that sets minimum compensation. The estimated additional cost is €1‑1.5 million, which requires state approval. Mayor Igna​ti​os Kaitezidis and a committee led by Deputy Minister Kostas Gkioulekas are set to discuss the matter with the ministry to secure funding and ensure transport for roughly 16,500 students, including 1,200 with special needs.