Authorities have extended the application period for the competitive bidding process aimed at awarding public transportation contracts in the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region. Interested operators now have until September 23, 2026, to submit their formal bids to take over urban and intercity bus routes currently operated through the regional KTEL system. The extended timeline gives prospective carriers additional time to prepare comprehensive proposals for service delivery across the broader region. The tender represents a significant step in modernizing and potentially opening up the region's public transit infrastructure to new management and operational models.