Page 48 - O Οργανισμός Αστικών Συγκοινωνιών Θεσσαλονίκης από το 1957 μέχρι σήμερα | The Organisation of Urban Transportation of Thessaloniki from 1957 to the present day

Chapter 1
48
organisation. Buses were considered a step forward, with the newly established organisation being required to im- mediately acquire new buses to replace the old ones. The legislative arrangements for absorbing former private mo- torists, as well as former employees of the OASTH tram- ways, showed a willingness to cooperate, with the sole aim of promoting the common good of Thessaloniki.
The Legislative Decree 716/ 1970 did not substantially change the nature of the organisation, but only includ- ed certain amendments to the 1957 law, mainly in the ad- ministrative operation of OASTH, which pertained to the General Director and the Supervisory Board.
Law 866/ 1979, shortly before the expiry of the con- tract between the Greek State and OASTH, renewed it, essentially renewing the State’s confidence in the Or- ganisation of Urban Transportation of Thessaloniki. The contract was extended until December 31, 2000. In ac- cordance with this law, OASTH gained the ability to ex- tend its lines to new areas, which until then had been served by KTEL Thessaloniki. Here too (as was the case with the owners of private city buses in 1957), KTEL driv- ers were given the opportunity to join OASTH as share- holders and incorporate their coaches, with the organi- sation being obliged to replace them. The expansion of the OASTH’s area of operation led to an increase in the number of bus routes.
Law 2898/ 2001 renewed the Greek government’s con- tract with OASTH for the third time, until December 31, 2009. In addition, the SASTH was established, with 11
members, to act as a supervisory body for OASTH, with the aim of ensuring its smooth operation and improving the provided services. Under the new legislative frame- work, OASTH employees could form a cooperative and