Filenews 16 October 2023 - by Despina Psillou
Pame Express buses are full of passengers during peak hours, with the transport ministry looking for additional drivers to increase its routes. In the first month of service, he referred to "F", there were around 9,000 movements, while there are thoughts of extending its period or even finalizing the free service.
The Pame Express is used to the maximum, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeadis told F. "At peak hours, i.e. morning and after noon, the buses are full. However, due to lack of drivers, we cannot put more on the route, in order to transport even more people. We are in search. It seems that the citizens are happy."
In relation to the recent announcement of GSP (which is the starting point and terminal of Pame Express) informing that it will charge those who use its parking spaces, the Minister reassures that at least at this stage, parking will continue to be free (as well as routes) for those who use the Pame Express service card.
However, it was noted, the conclusion of an agreement with GSP is being prepared, so that the state will offer a very small amount that will be given for the cleanliness of the site and for its operating costs.
For his part, the senior officer of the Department of Road Transport and head of the Public Passenger Contracts Sector, Andreas Nikiforou, noted to "F" that from 7 to 30 September, i.e. during the first month of implementation of the service, about 9,000 movements were made.
"Especially on the first three routes of the day, the buses are overcrowded and this is repeated again from 14:00 to 17:00, when people return. The service is going very well. Beyond our expectations", noted Mr. Nikiforou and added that studies are being carried out for Pame Express by various bodies in relation to the viability of the project. "There is a possibility that the free service will be extended for a few months or even finalized or even implemented on other routes."
