Suspended Nicosia and Larnaca school bus routes resume with added security
Two school bus routes suspended after vandalism and safety concerns resumed on Wednesday, while authorities will meet next week to seek permanent measures.
Nicosia, Cyprus. Two school bus routes in Nicosia and Larnaca resumed on Wednesday after being temporarily suspended following vandalism incidents and related security concerns.
The Transport Ministry said a meeting scheduled for Monday will examine longer-term solutions involving government officials, parents’ representatives, bus companies and other stakeholders.
Security measures
The ministry said intensive consultations with representatives of the Education Ministry, the House transport committee, parents’ associations and Cyprus Public Transport led to Tuesday’s agreement to restore the routes while addressing safety concerns raised by drivers and students.
Under the agreement, security guards and/or conductors will be placed on buses serving certain routes. Parents’ association representatives will also supervise the routes during the first days of operation.
The buses operating on the affected routes will be fitted with CCTV systems to deter further incidents and record any that occur.
Further discussions
Transport Minister Evie Tsolaki initiated Monday’s meeting, which will include the education minister, the personal data protection commissioner, the chairman of the House transport committee, the federation of secondary education parents’ associations, bus companies and other involved parties.
The confederation of secondary education parents’ associations will meet parents and guardians of children involved in the incidents to work towards preventing a recurrence.
Authorities will also cooperate closely with police to ensure incidents are investigated immediately and addressed individually without disrupting an entire route.
Ministry statement
The Transport Ministry said delinquency, vandalism and conduct endangering safety on public transport could not be tolerated.
It added that isolated incidents should be addressed in a targeted way and should not deprive all students of access to transport services.
Damage to vehicles will be repaired immediately to allow buses to return to full operation, the ministry said.
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