Our association, the “Association of Friends of the Railroad” (SFS), was founded in 1983 by a group of people who shared a love of trains, with the then-newly established Railroad Museum serving as their meeting place. For many years, the Association and the Museum followed parallel paths, with railway history and heritage as their common focus.

In 1992, the Association acquired its first offices on Konstantinoupolis Street. Two years later, its relocation to the former OSE Apprentice School, on the grounds of the Railway Museum, marked a new era of growth and outreach. Gradually, it evolved into a citizens’ movement that offers well-documented proposals on issues concerning railways and other fixed-track transportation systems in our country.

Our members come from a wide range of social and professional backgrounds. What they have in common is a love of and interest in railways and other fixed-track transportation systems, such as the metro and the tram, as well as a recognition of their contribution to environmental protection, the improvement of citizens’ quality of life, and the national economy.

The SFS is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, which is elected by its members. Anyone, regardless of nationality, may become a member of the Association, provided they accept its objectives as described in its bylaws.

We believe that rail transit can provide safe, economical, fast, and environmentally friendly transportation that puts people first. At the same time, it serves as a repository of technological, social, and historical memory, with unique aesthetic and cultural value.

Under the motto “By rail, you travel—you aren’t just transported,” our Association has developed a wide range of activities over more than four decades. It has organized academic conferences, workshops, and cultural and recreational events, while also compiling an extensive archive that includes audiovisual material.

It publishes the magazine “Sidirotrochia,” which focuses exclusively on railways, promotes model railroading and railway photography, and brings the general public closer to the world of trains. Through these activities, it highlights the importance of rail transportation and helps the public become more familiar with it.

As part of its collaboration with railway operators, it has signed memoranda of understanding with OSE and GAIAOSE regarding mutual assistance on matters of common interest.

Any discussion of the railways and their future, however, cannot overlook the tragedy at Tembi. On February 28, 2023, 57 of our fellow citizens, many of them young, lost their lives in an accident that plunged the entire country, and us along with it, into mourning.

Safety is a non-negotiable prerequisite for the present and future of the railway. We believe it is essential for the government and the relevant authorities to expedite and complete the necessary projects, while ensuring the proper operation, maintenance, and oversight of the network. Safety measures must prevent human errors or omissions from turning into tragedies. Restoring public trust requires a concrete and sustained commitment.

We look forward to a railway system that will play a more substantial role in the country’s land transportation: through the modernization of the existing network, the reactivation of lines that have been taken out of service, and expansion into areas that are currently unserved. A modern and reliable rail network can make a decisive contribution to regional development, social cohesion, environmental protection, and Greece’s economic competitiveness.

Our Association remains ready to contribute to this effort, drawing on the expertise, experience, and prestige it has built up through its long-standing presence and activities.

Starting in 2020, you will find us at 301 Liossion Street, in the building kindly provided to us by OSE S.A., on the grounds of the Railway Museum. This building houses the Association’s offices and meeting room, as well as spaces for exhibitions, lectures, concerts, screenings, and other events. The Association also has an event hall and a separate model-building room at the old Peloponnese Station.

Our meeting room is open to SFS members and friends every Wednesday, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. We look forward to meeting you and sharing our love of railroads.