When you outsource the transport of your employees, you entrust an operator with the safety of people you are responsible for. Before signing, check three things: that the operator and vehicles are properly licensed, that the vehicles are maintained and inspected regularly, and that there is adequate insurance cover.
1. Legal operation of the operator
Carrying passengers for hire by bus is a regulated profession. The operator must have:
- A passenger road transport operator licence (P.D. 346/2001, implementing Regulation (EC) 1071/2009 on access to the occupation).
- For public-use tourist coaches, a registration licence under Law 711/1977 and operation as a travel agency or Tourist Road Transport Business (TEOM).
- Drivers holding a category D licence (or D1 for minibuses) and a valid Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), renewed through periodic training.
2. Technical condition and maintenance
| Check | What to ask the operator for |
|---|---|
| Roadworthiness test (KTEO) | Valid certificate; buses are inspected annually |
| Tachograph | Certificate of proper operation and calibration (valid 2 years) |
| Speed limiter | Certificate of proper operation |
| ABS braking system | Mandatory on buses |
| Seat belts | Working in all seats where fitted; passengers must wear them |
| Fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, emergency exits | Present, accessible, in date |
| Maintenance programme | Service records, tyres, brakes |
Source: Region of Crete – Tourist coach licence
Vehicle age alone is not a safety criterion; maintenance and the annual inspection are.
3. Insurance cover
Every vehicle must have compulsory third-party liability insurance, which also covers passengers for bodily injury. The minimum cover amounts, as revised by the Bank of Greece from 1/1/2022 (P.D. 237/1986, article 6), are:
| Damage | Minimum cover |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury | €1,300,000 per victim |
| Property damage | €1,300,000 per accident |
Source: capital.gr – Bank of Greece Act 195/29.11.2021
When many people travel together, ask the operator for cover above the minimum limits and, ideally, additional passenger personal accident insurance. Ask for a copy of each vehicle’s insurance policy.
4. Driving and rest times
A tired driver is the biggest risk. Bus drivers are subject to Regulation (EC) 561/2006: up to 9 hours of driving per day, a 45-minute break after 4.5 hours and daily rest of at least 11 hours (reducible to 9 hours up to three times a week). The tachograph records these times and is checked by the Traffic Police and the Labour Inspectorate.
Checklist before signing a contract
- ☐ Passenger road transport operator licence
- ☐ Valid registration licences and KTEO certificates for each vehicle
- ☐ Insurance policies showing cover amounts
- ☐ List of drivers with valid D/D1 licence and CPC
- ☐ Tachograph and speed limiter certificates
- ☐ Vehicle replacement plan in case of breakdown
- ☐ Electronic invoice for each billing period
Why it concerns the employer too
The employer has a general duty to ensure the health and safety of employees (Law 3850/2010). When the employer organises their transport, choosing an unlicensed or uninsured operator may create liability. Documenting the checks above is the best protection.
Travel agency tip
Don’t choose an operator on price per route alone. Ask for the checklist documents with the quote and repeat the check every year, when KTEO certificates and insurance policies expire.
Frequently asked questions
How often do buses undergo KTEO inspection? Annually.
Does the bus insurance cover passengers? Yes, compulsory third-party liability insurance covers passengers’ bodily injury, with a minimum limit of €1,300,000 per victim.
Must employees wear seat belts on the bus? Yes, where the vehicle is fitted with them.
Sources: Law 711/1977 – Special tourist coaches · Region of Crete – Tourist coach licence · capital.gr – Minimum insurance cover · insurancedaily.gr – Compulsory insurance · EUR-Lex – Regulation 561/2006 · opengov.gr – Rules on special tourist coaches
Validity: This article reflects the sources as of 15/07/2026 (most recent source, insurancedaily.gr). Minimum insurance amounts are revised periodically by the Bank of Greece; check them before republishing.
Photo: Negative Space / StockSnap.io, CC0 – free to use (source)