Rethymno aims to increase the efficiency, convenience and use of public transport. Assessment studies and PT user surveys will help to improve PT services. New thematic PT routes, rescheduled PT plans, and new smart bus stops with real time information will be introduced to make PT more convenient and attractive, not only for citizens, but also for tourists, with the aim of making PT a good option for their everyday trips in the area.
The main objectives of the measure are:
- Efficient, attractive and modern public transportation.
- Increased use of PT by tourists and residents, in the process triggering a modal shift from rental car /taxi to PT among tourists and visitors.
- Improved convenience for and satisfaction among PT users.
- Increased accessibility and attractiveness of the city as tourist destination.
The main actions of the measure are to:
- An assessment of existing PT routes, taking into account tourists’ interest/ needs.
- Reschedule PT plans.
- Design/operate new PT routes to serve key attractions and cultural events during the main touristic period.
- Respond to the real needs of PT users across the year.
- Conduct a study on the transport needs of cruises visitors;
- Devise access plans for reaching the main touristic attractions in the wider Rethymno area, which at the moment are mainly accessed with hired cars.
- Develop attractive info packages to promote new PT services/routes.
- New smart bus stops to increase efficiency of the PT information system.
- Install bike racks on selective bus routes, allowing for the combination of cycling and PT.
- Conduct a PT users’ surveys to measure satisfaction and record recommendations for improvement.