Electrification's effects in the railway system in Athens (1869-1940): transit in Athens area (Athens-Piraeus Railways)
- Autores: Georgia Cheirchanteri
- Localización: I Congreso Internacional de Patrimonio Industrial y de la Obra Pública: Nuevas estrategias en la gestión del Patrimonio Industrial, 2016, ISBN 9788461756599, págs. 35-54
- Idioma: inglés
- Enlaces
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Resumen
The modern history of Athens starts in 1834 when the Bavarian Regency selected the town as the capital of the newly established Greek state. In 1869 British entrepreneurs founded Athens � Piraeus Railways (SAP), a steam locomotive railway system, which connected the Port of Piraeus with Athens (Thissio). There were no vehicles at that time in Athens and the railway was the only alternative for reaching Piraeus from Athens instead of covering this distance on foot or by using a carriage.
In 1904, the introduction of electrification constituted �a turning point� for this company. The railway system endowed the citizens of Athens with the opportunity to visit the area of Faliro by train and go to the theatre, visit a playground, the sea, A� class restaurants, etc..
In 1926, SAP was collaborated with the English Company Power and Traction, so, Athens-Piraeus Railways (SAP) was renamed to Greek Electric Railways (EHS). In the meanwhile, this English Company, Power and Traction, builds the new Power Plant in Saint George Bay, in order to electrify Athens and Piraeus area, as well as the new Terminal Railway Station in Piraeus. These two constructions were very impressive, because were based on metal frames, something new for greek data. Nowadays, the Terminal Railway Station in Piraeus remains a monumental building for almost 90 years.
Under the 107 years of Athens- Piraeus Electric Railways operation, Line 1 (Piraeus-Omonia-Kifissia) played a significant role in the life of the citizens of Athens and Piraeus and was considered to be one of the most effective and innovative public works at that time.
