There is news today that the pedestrianisation of the centre of Athens, part of the scheme outlined here, will be completed shortly. Traffic lanes will be reclaimed for cyclists and pedestrians. Use of public transport will be encouraged, though investment will be needed in new buses as replacements for the old fleet were put off under the austerity measures of the last decade. A long-term plan to make the capital more pedestrian-friendly, including being able to walk to the Acropolis, has been accelerated by the Covid-19 epidemic. There is a need to bring back tourists to bolster the economy, taking advantage of the nation's relatively virus-free status*. It is clear also that the benefits of reducing the pollution due to the internal combustion engine because of economic inactivity during the emergency have been brought home to administrators.
* The government still has to cope with occasional outbreaks such as this, and there are warnings against large gatherings.
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