CYPRUS: Public bus network introduces electronic ticketing

From next week travelling on Cyprus buses will be a cashless affair with smart cards replacing traditional bus tickets as of January 7.

 All public transport buses are participating in the “Motion Bus Card” electronic ticketing scheme.

The project is a €10 mln scheme which was 85% funded by the EU’s Cohesion Fund to promote sustainable mobility and resolve problems related to basic public transport infrastructures.

EU structural funds to Cyprus also made a contribution to the smart card system.

A Spanish firm won the tender to introduce the Motion Bus Card which is available as a reloadable plastic pass the size of a credit card or as multiple journey disposable single use paper-pass.

There has been no change in prices with the new system, said the Transport Ministry.

All kinds of smart cards can be used on different bus routes, maximum limits are applied based on the card type.

The re-chargeable (plastic) Motion Bus Card can be charged with up to three different period fares (weekly, monthly or yearly).

The “personalised" or "anonymous registered" smart card, offers the right of a refund (the balance) in case of loss or damage by paying only the replacement cost.

Passengers who are entitled to a 50% discount are: Students, People under 18, Social Card holders and European Disability Card holders.

Free transportation is available to: Soldiers, low-income pensioners and children aged under 6.

There is also a mobile phone “Cyprus Bus” application by Motion.

This official application of the Transport Ministry provides all the information related to the bus timetables such as scheduling information of bus services and real time updates of bus arrivals at each stop.

Nicosia, Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca and inter-city buses are all taking part in the scheme.

Motion Bus Cards can be bought and topped up at designated sale points located islandwide and online through JCC Smart.