Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus is seeking to address traffic congestion, road safety, electric vehicle development and its broader transport ambitions, with the government prioritising easier daily travel and long-term sustainable growth. Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades said reforming public transport is central to that effort.
Car dependence remains a central challenge
In an interview with the Cyprus Mail, Vafeades said Cyprus remains one of the most car-reliant countries in Europe despite repeated efforts over the years to encourage wider bus use.
He said the state bears the initial responsibility for change, noting that people in Cyprus rely heavily on private cars because public transport has not met their daily needs for many years.
Public transport as an alternative
Vafeades said commuting habits would change only if public transport became a genuine alternative for citizens.
He said the state must first provide a service that is reliable, frequent and practical before asking people to change their habits.
Ministry strategy
According to Vafeades, the ministry’s strategy includes improving bus timetables, increasing frequency on key routes, expanding real-time passenger information systems and introducing more park-and-ride options.
He added that measures are also being examined to improve bus efficiency in urban areas, where congestion often affects reliability.
Goal of easing daily movement
Vafeades said that if citizens see public transport as a way to save time, reduce costs and make daily travel easier, more people will be willing to use it.