Filenews 2 April 2025 - by Vasos Vassiliou
The case with bus stops tends to take on unexpected dimensions, with the MP who registered the relevant issue for discussion, Kostas Kostas, raising a series of questions, the answer to which may open the bag of Aeolus. The questions raise issues of changing the specifications of the stops that may even affect the safety of passengers, the cost of the project (which is funded by the EU) and whether there is a risk of losing the funding or part of it, the construction specifications of the stops and any delays in their delivery.
It also raises the question of whether even the stops that have been installed are functional in the sense of their connection to electricity, the passenger information sign and so on. It also raises the issue of the much-discussed point regarding whether the stops were designed "straight" or "upside down" and whether it is indeed true that the original design was such that passengers could see the arrival of the bus without hindrance and consequently the driver could see the arrival of the bus without hindrance. It has visual contact with the stop and the expected passengers.
However, according to information, initially the design was such that passengers could have visual contact on their right to check if a bus was approaching, while, at the same time, the driver could see if there were passengers at the stop.
The MP we contacted mentioned that after a relevant publication in "F", a series of questions arose from the positions developed by the designer, which need to be answered. "Without adopting what the planner of the stops records, I believe that as things have evolved, convincing answers must be given in order to fully clarify the landscape and eliminate any shadows that have been created," said Mr. Kostas.
It is noted that in the positions developed in "F" by the designer of the stops, Nikolas Dimadis, the following emerge or can be concluded:
>> The design specifications given required the pylon to be placed on the left side so that it would act as an indication to the bus driver of where to stop.
>> Only a small number of the smaller Type B canopies have been installed, with some features missing. It is noted that anyone who has seen the stops understands that they have not been connected to electricity, so their operation is incomplete since, according to Mr. Dimadis' reports, the stops included the following characteristics:
- Double-sided illuminated signs for clear route identification.
- Night lighting for increased safety.
- Smart solar systems for lighting and information management.
- Illuminated route maps and timetables.
- Visual and audio bus arrival notification system.
- Interactive passenger information screens using a special e-paper screen.
It is also noted that his report, that "only a small number of the smaller Type B canopies have been installed" (about 200 out of a total of 5,200 have been installed), refers to the design of different types of stops which, as he says, "will meet the needs of urban, rural and mountainous areas, integrating advanced smart technologies".
Especially for the form of the planned stops, Mr. Dimadis lists the following five types:
1. Type A: Column Sign – Designed for areas with low passenger traffic. It includes a tower that provides real-time information on the arrival of buses. It also includes a visual and audio notification system for the arrival of a bus.
2. Type B: Small canopy with seats – Ideal for areas with low traffic or confined spaces, such as old city centers or narrow streets.
3. Type C: Main bus stop canopy – Designed for main urban arteries, includes information screens, arrival notifications, routes, night lighting, seating, wheelchair access, and solar system. It also incorporates a visual and audio bus arrival notification system.
4. Type C/Mountainous – Special version of Type C for mountainous areas, with additional weather protection through front and side panels.
5. Types D and E: Extended canopies – Larger canopies for areas with high passenger traffic, offering extra seats and covered waiting space.
>> The Smart Bus Stop and Shelter System was announced in 2018 and has been delayed. From the date it appears that about seven years have already passed. Mr. Dimadis also mentions that the construction of the stops was assigned to a local construction company through a tender on October 5, 2023, i.e. 18 months ago.
>> The design also allows for the future integration of advanced technologies, such as AI-enabled cameras.
