After a long time, a state organization managed to offer better prices for the services it provides to the public.
This would be OASA, the organization that monitors the metro and urban public transport in Athens, which announced that as of September 1st they will introduce a universal 70-minute ticket that will cost 1.20 euros and they will reduce the monthly pass from 45 to 30 euros.
Essentially, a passenger can travel in Athens all day at the cost of one euro, while students will travel for half as much.
It is interesting that a few months ago the troika considered OASA to be a troubled organization and its apparently salvation demanded increasing tickets by 40% and making a few hundred employees redundant.
In this respect it would be useful to examine how from increasing ticket prices and laying off hundreds we ended up reducing the price of tickets.
As explained, the relevant negotiation team of the Ministry of Growth and OASA worked on and developed a complete reform plan for urban transport contrasting the troika’s cynical take.
Long negotiations followed for a couple months, during which many significant arguments were made that ultimately prevailed. The troika had to accept a combined changed that would improve urban transports without affecting revenue.
In order for the negotiation to be successful, skilled orators were tasked with developing logical arguments to demonstrate the validity of a more composite option.
That is the secret of the ticket reduction.
The government ought to follow this powerful example. Instead of giving pointless battles with the troika, that usually end in mini Waterloos, it should focus on the country’s huge problems, thoroughly examine them and propose comprehensive and financially efficient solutions.
When you have systematically prepared for a change you can convince even the most stubborn speakers.
TO VIMA
