The Greek railway system has a weak record on passenger safety: it recorded the highest number of rail fatalities in Europe among 28 countries last year. A strike by train workers this week highlights frustration with poor working conditions and chronic understaffing.
The strike has also brought passenger trains to a standstill across the country. The Greek transport ministry has urged travelers to avoid using the affected services. Those who must travel by train are advised to check on service status before heading to the station or booking tickets.
About Xechasmeni Railway Station Greece
The Xechasmeni railway station (Greek: Siderodromikos Stathmos Ksekhasmene, Sidirodromikos stathmos Xechasmene) serves the village of Skydra in Central Macedonia, Greece. The station is located just west of the settlement on the Thessaloniki-Bitola railway, and is served by local and Proastiakos Thessaloniki services.
A passenger train on the Thessaly Railways line runs from Thessaloniki to the mountain resort of Volos. This is a 600 mm (1 ft 11+5/8 in) narrow gauge line, built with track widths varying between 15 and 20 feet. It is one of two rail lines serving Mount Pelion, along with the Thessaly railway.
A train or ferry is a better option for getting around the mainland, since most international trains only connect Athens to Thessaloniki, and buses don’t offer reasonable frequency in summer, particularly on many island routes. Renting a car in Athens is easy and cheap, but it’s often a hassle in the bustling city center, and some ferries don’t allow cars.
