A report by the Cyprus Audit Office has identified significant shortcomings in passenger information, service frequency and infrastructure across Nicosia’s public bus network, despite generally positive assessments of driver conduct and passenger safety.
The inspection involved 110 Audit Office staff members who travelled on buses as ordinary passengers, without notifying the operator in advance, and completed 204 questionnaires. Although several aspects of the service received satisfactory ratings, 63% of participants said they would not choose to travel by bus again. The report notes that this figure is not representative of the general population.
Timetable information was unavailable at 55% of bus stops, while 32% lacked shelters and 22% had neither shelters nor seating. Inspectors also identified inaccuracies in digital transport applications, including discrepancies of up to 135 metres in bus stop locations. On some routes, buses operated only once every one or two hours.
The inspection involved 110 Audit Office staff members who travelled on buses as ordinary passengers, without prior notice to the operator, and completed 204 questionnaires.
Inside the buses, inspectors found inadequate information about upcoming stops and no option to pay by bank card. They also recorded an incident involving inadequate assistance to a passenger with a disability.
An analysis of ten travel scenarios also found that travelling by bus was not always cheaper than using a private car, depending on the circumstances.
The Audit Office called for improvements across the network and more effective government oversight. The responsible ministry acknowledged the shortcomings and expressed its intention to take corrective action.
Source: Kathimerini Cyprus
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