Other findings from a survey of thousands of participants—most of whom report being satisfied with their use of buses— were presented by Transportation Minister Evi Tsolaki from the Alpha Kalimera studio, in response to the findings of the Audit Office.
“I fully respect the findings of the Audit Office’s report. In some cases, it is correct; in others, I believe it exaggerates.”
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
She noted that 110 Audit Office employees used the bus for a period of one month between November and December 2025, and 68% stated that they were not satisfied.
“Let me tell you, however, that we have some other data. This is because there are independent research firms that survey 6,000 actual passengers throughout Cyprus every year. And of those, 8 out of 10 say they are satisfied.”
She adds that approximately 29 million boardings have been recorded for the first nine months of 2026.
When asked who uses buses in Cyprus, she states that she has requested a user profile, noting that the goal is for buses not to be a last resort.
“The goal isn’t exactly for people to use it simply because their financial situation leaves them with no other means of transportation besides the bus—and perhaps a bicycle. We want all segments of the population to use it—all categories of Cyprus residents: professionals, people commuting to work, and children heading to their after-school tutoring sessions. That is the goal.”
The Minister notes that improvements are being made, while stating that the contractor’s contract expires in 2028 and that some of the issues identified pertain to the contracting companies.
“The timeline is 2028. Work is currently underway. In other words, even if a bus stop has been installed, it may have some shortcomings. But these shortcomings will be addressed by 2028.And then maintenance of the stops will begin for a certain period of time, as specified in the contract. In other words, where the system for our blind fellow citizens is not currently functioning, it will be made to function.”
As for fare prices, he states that they are based on the contracts.
“What I’ve seen is that the cost is generally around 55 euros per month. And for students, it’s 30 euros per year, because the government subsidizes an additional 190 euros. It’s certainly much cheaper than driving a car. Because if we take into account that even a parking spot now costs 5 or 6 euros…”
Commenting on the Audit Office’s findings, which indicate an increase of around 50%, he states that the figure remains low compared to private car use.
“The key is to achieve two goals. To make it more economical—which it appears to be—and to better serve the public in terms of time. In other words, people shouldn’t have to wait any longer to get around when using the bus.”
Ms. Tsolaki also notes that the report’s findings will be used to implement improvements aimed at achieving these goals, as this is part of the solution to the traffic problem.
“Also, what I want us to do is conduct a general study on traffic. A study by experts—transportation specialists, engineers, anyone who can contribute to this study. If you will, a revised one, since there are already some studies. What needs to be done in each city, and how it should be done.”
