Filenews 21 June 2024
In 2024, about 300 new "smart" bus stops and shelters will be installed, while another 100 existing shelters will be repaired, Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Alexis Vafeadis, said on Thursday.
The Minister of Transport, speaking at Air Control's facilities in Strovolos Industrial Area, said that "at this stage, the standard samples of the stops and shelters are being finalized and preparations are being completed for the start of mass production, which is scheduled to start in July 2024".
He added that the design of the new shelters has been prepared by Demades Design Ltd and takes into account both local conditions and the space available for their installation. He also said that the implementation of the project has been undertaken by the joint venture A.S. Air Control LTD & AMCO A.B.E.E. J.V. under a contract with a total value of 74 million euros, which includes basic implementation and ten-year maintenance.
He added that the repair works of the existing shelters have already begun, will be intensified and will continue in parallel with the installation of the new stops/shelters.
At the same time, Mr. Vafeadis reminded that the Ministry maintains in force the scheme to subsidize bus shelters to local authorities to cover needs until their inclusion for upgrading within the framework of the Pancyprian project.
Mr. Vafeadis said that in 2024 about 300 new stops and shelters will be installed, while another 100 existing shelters will be repaired, noting that priority is given to stops on the main axes, where high use is observed.
The Minister described the project to produce the upgraded bus stops and shelters and instal them all over Cyprus as "ambitious, necessary and of paramount importance for the improvement of public transport in our country", reminding that the implementation of the project would not have been possible without securing funding from the cohesion policy programme "THALEIA 2021-2027" of the European Union.
The goal, Mr. Vafeadis said, is the coordinated upgrade of public transport infrastructure, creating a comfortable, safe and accessible environment for passengers waiting for the bus, while in addition to their functional upgrade, high aesthetics are achieved.
The Minister of Transport said that the way each stop is built is quite smart since it looks like "Lego" and additional elements and services can be added in the future. The intention, Vafeadis continued, is for these spaces to evolve and not to be waiting areas, but places where information will be provided and anything else that can be a service to citizens.
"We intend to take advantage of the presence of these infrastructures within the urban network to offer more services to citizens. Even drinking water – we are discussing – how we could provide," he said.
Asked if he believes that after this change citizens will have second thoughts and use buses instead of their private vehicles, Vafeadis said that "it is not something we want to impose. It is a choice we want to give to citizens and citizens will choose it if we provide a quality, fast and cost-effective solution."
"We are moving forward and improving the image of public transport infrastructure, making the bus a real and decent transportation option for all citizens," Vafeadis said, noting that the aim is for the project to contribute to increasing the use of buses and consequently to improving road safety, alleviating traffic problems and supporting vulnerable population groups in cities and countryside.
Asked if there is any development in relation to the bus drivers' requests, Vafeadis replied that there is a negotiation for the renewal of the collective agreement, adding that it is a matter handled by the Ministry of Labour.
In the presentation of the project, the Project Coordinator and Executive Engineer of Public Works, Aristotelis Savva, spoke of an "ambitious project that aims to upgrade all public transport infrastructure", noting that the shelter stop is the first project that has been assigned and is progressing.
At the same time, he continued, "we are also planning to upgrade the central bus stations, including infrastructure for charging the buses themselves." He indicated that by 2030 bus fleets will be fully electrified.
He noted that the aim is to upgrade both the physical and functional condition of the stops and shelters all over Cyprus by increasing quality, suitability, safety, and to achieve cleanliness at the points of the stops in full cooperation with municipalities and communities.
Mr. Savva reviewed the events and meetings that took place, noting that a complete record of the shelter stops was made and today there are about 5,000 stops throughout Cyprus that have been included in the project for upgrade or repair.
He noted that the uniform design and specifications of the four main types of stops were followed in order to be user-friendly and provide safety from weather conditions. He indicated that the project was piloted with three samples on Makarios Avenue.
At the same time, Mr. Savva presented the tender process for the project, noting that the project is now being implemented in four phases with production starting in mid-July.
Asked if the passenger waiting at the bus stop will know where the bus is and the waiting time, Mr. Savva said that there will be a telematics system and will inform on a screen located at the stop how long the bus will arrive. He added that this information will also be available on the mobile phone in the "Cyprus Bus" application of Motion, which is the official application of the Ministry of Public Transport, Communications and Works of Cyprus and provides all information about bus schedules in Cyprus and the actual arrival time of the bus at each stop. He reminded that at most stops there will be a screen showing the expected arrival time of the bus.
The Director of Air Control Ltd and Representative of the Contractor of the Joint Venture A.S.AIRCONTROL LTD & AMCO SA, Michalis Louca, stated that the project is expected to upgrade public transport in Cyprus, noting that the smart bus stops project incorporates the company's values, such as accessibility for all. Travel comfort, energy saving and the implementation of smart solutions.
"With photovoltaic panels, garbage bins, cyclists' canopies and real-time information, we aim to turn waiting at the bus stop into a pleasant experience," said Mr. Louca.
He noted that emphasis is placed on trying to produce and build the project elements in Cyprus, thus supporting the local economy and creating new jobs. "We are working creatively to implement the project in the highest quality and within the agreed timeframes," said Mr. Louca.
He added that the project is not just a business activity but a social project that upgrades the daily lives of citizens and leaves a positive imprint for future generations.
The Project Coordinator, on behalf of the Contractor, Nikolas Constantinou, made a technical presentation of the project. At the same time, he presented the program for the installation of the new shelters and repairs, saying that it will start from Nicosia in the near future.
At the end of the press conference, the pilot samples were presented at the premises of Air Control Ltd.
