Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus Public Transport (CPT) said it will continue operating the Pame Express service despite a serious shortage of professional drivers, as consultations with the transport ministry continue on long-term solutions.
Company decision and operational pressures
CPT said it accepted the ministry’s invitation to a high-priority meeting to address the driver shortage and review the company’s overall operations. The company said it decided to maintain the service as a sign of goodwill and commitment to cooperate with the state, while noting the situation could not continue indefinitely.
“Despite the extreme operational challenges we face today, our commitment remains steadfast, aiming for short-term results for our passengers,” the company said.
Goals for congestion reduction and service sustainability
CPT said its main goal remained reducing congestion and improving quality of life in Nicosia. It added that with state support through legislative measures and infrastructure improvements, such as special bus lanes, the service could achieve long-term success.
CPT apologised for any inconvenience to passengers and said the continuation of Pame Express, the park-and-ride service from GSP into Nicosia, reflected its commitment to the community and the public interest.
Transport ministry response
The transport ministry welcomed the decision not to suspend the service, saying the Pame Express line had proved its usefulness and efficiency.
The ministry said the service recorded significant passenger traffic, met real needs and helped decongest the road network by offering a reliable alternative to private transport. It added it would continue working to strengthen public transport, aiming for a more functional and efficient transportation system that effectively served the public.
How do you think the Pame Express service could be improved to better meet passenger needs?