COMMITTEE FOR THE COORDINATION AND UPGRADE OF SEA SCHEDULES FOR ANDROS ISLAND

MUNICIPALITY OF ANDROS - D. Gianisis

MUNICIPALITY OF KORTHI - I. Glynos

MUNICIPALITY OF YDROUSA - I. Psitos

PRESIDENT OF THE HOTEL ASSOCIATION - N. Manousos

PRESIDENT OF S.E.E.D.D.E. - S. Polikratis

The pressing problems obstructing, years now, travel to and from our island because of the insufficient sea schedules, the only means of connection with the rest of Greece (due to lack of an airport), gave rise to this committee, which consists of the three Mayors and representatives of concerned associations, in order to coordinate and struggle, together with all Andriots, to solve these problems.

After the tragic events in Paros island (Samina Express), the problems were even more dramatic, with companies facing economic destruction (contracts canceling), health issues intensifying, since there is no connection with the center apart the helicopter, despite the fact that it is the closest island to Attica and Athens via Rafina port. An urgent solution is needed and, at the same time, the connection of all Cycladic islands is again coming into light (circular line and airport construction, so to have access to the future).

The Committee stressing these issues and the fact that our island is touristically oriented, indicates the following problems needing urgent solution:

  1. ิhe frequency of sea schedules is reduced instead of becoming higher.

  2. There are no schedules between Pireas and Andros.

  3. All ships sail to Andros between 7:30-8:15.

  4. There is no connection with Thessaloniki.

  5. The connection with Syros is not adequate.

  6. There are no sea schedules to the capital of the island, Chora.

For all of the above reasons we demand:

  1. The ports should be re-evaluated

  2. The sea schedules should be at least 2 hours apart from each other.

  3. More sea schedules from Rafina, at least one more.

  4. Ship line between Pireas - Andros.

  5. High Speed ships should reach Andros port as well.

  6. Daily connection with the rest of the Cycladic islands, regardless of Rafina or Pireas connection.

  7. New connection of the capital of the island, Chora, with Pireas and Rafina.

  8. Urgently new ship schedule connecting Thessaloniki with Andros.

  9. Morning ship departing from Andros on Sunday, to service tourists and tradesmen.

THE COMMITTEE

 September - October 2000