The Audit Office has identified serious issues and shortcomings regarding public passenger transportation in Nicosia.
The Audit Office employed a different audit methodology, based on the undercover presence of auditors. The auditors acted as ordinary users of public passenger transportation and, without prior notice, evaluated the service provided under real-world conditions.
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In this municipality, 36 bumps are being removed
While, as noted, the ratings for certain questions were quite high, “63% of participants stated that they would not choose to take the bus again, mainly due to the inevitable comparison with a (car) that, in most cases, saves time, provides privacy, and offers more amenities.”
At the same time, it was found that 55% of bus stops had no information on schedules, while only 13% had telematics information systems. Furthermore, 22% of bus stops had neither a seat nor a shelter, while 32% lacked a shelter.
“The issue of bus stops is expected to improve with the widespread implementation of new smart bus stops, although recently we have observed, in some cases, a hybrid implementation combining old and new bus stops. Although cleanliness was rated as satisfactory at 74% of the bus stops, instances of strong odors, accumulation of trash, and vandalism, even at central stations.”
At the same time, instances of incorrect schedules, inaccurate geographical mapping of stops, and
inconsistencies between different information sources were observed. Meanwhile, on several routes, service frequency was low (every one or two hours), and the need to transfer (using two buses) in some cases increased travel time and cost.
Inside the bus, there was a lack of information about upcoming stops and arrival times (there were no banners). Furthermore, the inability to pay by credit card is a significant limitation for a modern service and significantly affects its usability.
The drivers’ conduct—both in terms of driving style and behavior toward passengers—was rated quite highly, according to the Audit Office.
However, according to the Service, there were isolated incidents of inappropriate behavior.
“A particularly serious case involved a driver who refused to cooperate in providing the required assistance to a person with a disability.”
The Audit Office’s economic comparison highlighted a critical issue, as it adds, “for citizens who already own a car, taking the bus does not necessarily result in significant savings.”
“We are concerned that the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport focuses solely on the total cost of car ownership, without giving commensurate weight to the marginal cost that influences citizens’ actual choices. This distinction is essential for formulating effective policy, so that the measures being planned respond to citizens’ actual choices and behaviors.”
View the full report:
Watch the remarks made by Audit Office spokesperson Giota Michael on the Alpha Kalimera show:
