TRANSPORT: Cyprus looking to upgrade its maligned bus service

Cyprus will make an international call for tenders for new public transport contracts, aiming to set in motion a ‘new era’ for an improved bus network that avoids mistakes of the past.

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Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Vassiliki Anastassiadou told state radio that the €70 mln a year tender contract will be open to local and foreign companies alike.

As noted in the Minister's proposal, the current bus system introduced for the period 2010-2020 has improved the quality of service increasing passenger traffic, but substantial problems have been encountered.

The new contractors ensure operators are responsible for the operational aspects relating to the cost of service and revenue.

She said the government is to be flexible when it comes to assigning bus routes for journeys to school and may offer routes to contractors other than the chosen operators.

The increase in the cost of new contracts is mainly due to the 22% increase in the number of routes and their frequency, from 29 million km to 35.4 million km and the extension of the operating hours from 12 to 16.

Also, costs will increase due to government plan to reduce the average age of buses operating routes across the country.

Anastassiadou said the call for tenders will include clauses for the use of state-of-the-art technology which will allow for the collection of information regarding bus routes (telematic).

The Minister noted that the government aims to avoid mistakes of the past when assigning the new contracts stressing that they are “looking forward to a new era in transportation”.

Current contracts end in July 2020.