ATHENS – New underground metro stations connecting Athens International Airport with the port of Piraeus – making it possible for travelers to get to ferry boats directly – will be finished this month, officials of the construction company said.

Line 3 of the metro is expected to be extended by three stations – Maniatika, Municipal Theatre and Piraeus – with the time from the port to the airport estimated at 55 minutes, no need to get off anywhere to switch.

It is estimated that the new stations will increase total passenger traffic on the metro network to 132,000 citizens per day and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 120 tons per day, said Kathimerini.

The Piraeus station will be part of the largest transport hub in Attica, with two metro stations, the tram terminal, the suburban railway terminal, bus and trolley bus lines, as well as ferries, being concentrated within a radius of 200 meters.

Once the stations open to the public, transport authorities will stop bus services connecting Nikaia and Korydallos which will be served by the metro and make the port easier to reach for all travelers.

The Chinese management firm COSCO operating the port also has plans to add more commercial spaces and bring in more cruise liners with tourists although there has been some opposition from businesses not wanting competition.