Filenews 18 September 2023
The three-year plans of the Municipality of Ypsonas and the Limassol Passenger Transport Company (EMEL) for the service of circular routes of electric buses, to serve mainly students, during their afternoon movements to and from their schools and activities, become a reality as of tomorrow.
The Minister of Transport, Alexis Vafeadis, described this development as a step in the right direction to reduce traffic congestion, pollutants and inconvenience.
Information about the new service "Circular Green" was given at noon at the municipal hall of Ypsonas, in the presence of Alexis Vafeadis, who congratulated the Municipality of Ypsonas and EMEL, saying that "it is definitely an action in the right direction, which will serve residents and helps in the easier transportation of children, with small electric buses".
"I hope that this effort will be embraced by the residents of Ypsona and will also serve residents from other municipalities," he continued, indicating that if the project succeeds, it can be applied to other areas.
I think, he continued, that we will see a significant reduction in congestion on the roads and a significant reduction in pollutants and it will give back to residents the time they lose in their commute.
Alexis Vafeadis also said that, in order to decongest the road network and reduce pollutants, "the only weapon we have in our hands is the bus – public transport, which we must combine with micromobility, such as bicycles and scooters".
Asked about this, he said that the traffic problem in Limassol is bigger than any other city, as it presents a great economic development, which brings with it "new vehicle routes" and indicated that "we aim to implement, as soon as possible, Park & Ride-type solutions".
Information about the new service was given by the Mayor of Ypsonas, Pantelis Georgiou, who said that the first phase will operate in one direction (of the clock hands), every 25 minute intervals, while in December the reverse direction is expected to begin, thus increasing the fleet of buses and the ease with which children can move within the Municipality. He indicated that, as the program progresses and depending on participation, the frequency of buses can reach 15 minutes, substantially reducing travel times.
The service, he continued, includes 65 bus stops, which will gradually be covered with shelters where and where possible, while some have already begun to be built after a decision of the municipal council and with the financial contribution of the Ministry.
The first ten canopies will be installed within the next week and by the end of the year 12 more will be installed, Georgiou said, noting that these are covered on three sides to provide protection from weather phenomena, while they will have built-in chargers for electronic devices, as well as a charger for electric bicycles and scooters.
The cost for children up to 18 years old has been set at €10 per month, but can be further reduced by purchasing three, six and 12 month old cards, while those children who already have a card that they use for transportation to and from school, can use it in the new service at no extra cost. For pensioners and students the cost is €20, while for the general population, the cost of a trip is €1.5 and the monthly ticket is €40.
The monthly and quarterly passes for students can be purchased from the bus, as well as the one-way ticket, while the rest of the cards can be purchased from the EMEL offices at the transfer station, at the old hospital and then credited through the "Motion" application, either at the EMEL passenger service points or via the internet. from the JCC website.
The Mayor of Ypsonas noted that citizens have already been informed about the new service and information material is being prepared that will be sent to schools before the end of the week, while soon all information will be available on the website of the Municipality.
Finally, he expressed optimism that people will embrace the new service.
Satisfaction "because today we see the prospects when the central state, the Local Government and the transport contractor cooperate harmoniously", expressed the CEO of EMEL, George Kyriakou.
Mr. Kyriacou thanked the Mayor of Ypsonas for the idea he proposed and which is currently being implemented and the Minister of Interior for his positive response to the integration of this route into the wider transport network.
"My anxiety is that if this succeeds, apart from the obvious benefits to the society of Ipsonas, this will also have implications for winning a battle of substance and not impressions, that public transport is part of the solution," he added.
At the end of the conference, the Minister had the opportunity to board an electric bus and get acquainted with the new service.
(CNA
