Some private Vehicle Technical Inspection Centers (IKTEO)play with the safety or even the lives of students if one considers that 19% of the buses they inspected and characterized as suitable, were then deemed unsuitable after an inspection at the state Technical Inspection Centers (KEMO).
In addition, a total of 35% of the school buses that were inspected nationwide in Public Control Centers were deemed unsuitable.
The above findings belong to the Audit Office which carried out an audit by preparing a relevant memorandum. The Auditor General, Mr. Andreas Papakonstantinou, raises the issue of the reliability of the technical inspections carried out in the private inspection workshops (IKTEO), while fire is also being fired at the bus companies.
On the occasion of the fact that a significant percentage of the buses were not taken to the state workshops for an emergency inspection (within three months from the day they were notified) it is considered by the Auditor General "particularly worrying, as their non-attendance for inspection at the KEMO increases the risk of using buses whose technical suitability has not been confirmed, with the what this means for security."
Regarding this aspect, the Report states that 53% of school buses were not inspected by KEMO (state workshops), so buses corresponding to 47% of the fleet were inspected.
In Nicosia, out of 238 buses, at the specified time (28.11.2025) 83 (35%) were taken for inspection, in Limassol out of 222 buses 156 (70%) were taken for inspection, in Larnaca from 73 came to 36 (49%), in Paphos out of 87 30 (34%) were taken for inspection and in free Famagusta out of 72 21 (29%) were taken for examination.
Especially for the province of Famagusta, it is reported that during the conduct of sample road checks by the competent Supervisors of the Department of Road Transport (TOM), five school buses were identified which had previously been deemed unsuitable by the TOM of the Province of Famagusta, which, (despite their official designation as unsuitable for use), continued to operate student transport routes, without having the required certificate of suitability in force.
The data shows that the largest number of vehicles that failed the technical inspection at KEMO (while they had previously been approved by IKTEO), is located in the Districts of Limassol, Larnaca and Famagusta.
As mentioned in the Report, in Limassol 29% of buses had failed to pass the inspection, while when they were checked by private synergies they were deemed suitable. In Limassol the percentage was 13%, in Larnaca 35%, in Paphos 14% and in Famagusta 25%.
The Auditor General observes that in no province has there been full compliance (in the transport of buses for inspection by state workshops). He acknowledges, however, that in Limassol the attendance rate was comparatively high, while in the other districts there is a low turnout rate.
As reported, in the Nicosia District, although the total number of school buses is the largest (compared to the other districts), the number of buses that came for technical inspection appears significantly lower compared to the entire fleet. Similarly, in the districts of Larnaca, Paphos and Famagusta, there is a significant discrepancy between the total number of school buses and the number of those who came for a technical inspection.
The Report states that this fact is considered particularly worrying, as the non-attendance of vehicles for inspection at KEMO increases the risk of using buses whose technical suitability has not been confirmed, with all that this entails for safety.
It is noted that the buses in question had previously been approved by IKTEO.
As already written, of the school buses that came for inspection at the District Offices of the TOM until 28.11.2025, 35% were deemed unsuitable. The Report states that in the Nicosia District, the percentage of buses deemed unsuitable is particularly low. According to the Audit Office, this fact indicates better maintenance of the vehicles or more effective preparation before the roadworthiness test.
Especially in Famagusta, there is a high failure rate (76%), although the number of inspected buses was limited, so the picture of the degree of failure may not be so representative. Respectively, in the districts of Larnaca and Paphos, the failure rates amount to 47% and in the Limassol district to 39% of the total inspected vehicles, which shows that the technical suitability of buses is an issue that needs further attention and appropriate measures to be taken.
The Auditor General also notes a false action by the bus companies, recording that it was found that the majority of the buses that were driven for an extraordinary technical inspection came from the younger fleet of Contractors (with limited exceptions) despite the relevant directive of the Ministry of Transport (YMEE) to prioritize older vehicles. This may, according to the Audit Office, affect the overall picture of the findings, possibly underestimating the seriousness of the situation, given that the old age of a bus is associated with an increased likelihood of technical problems and failure during the roadworthiness test.
It is noted that the audit followed incidents that saw the light of day in 2025 and were related to issues of suitability of school buses.
As mentioned, more than 600 buses are employed nationwide to meet the needs of the student service, which highlights the extent of student transport and makes it necessary to continuously supervise and systematically control the technical condition of student buses.
The TOM, commenting on relevant findings of the Auditor General, states that during the period of the bus inspection, the incidents of fire in school buses occurred, so, due to limited human resources, priority was given to carrying out thorough inspections on 65 vehicles of a specific type (Mercedes Citaro), in the context of an immediate assessment and ensuring the safety of student transport.
Regarding the overall failure rate of 35%, the TOM states that it is evaluated by the ministry as a clear indication of the added value and effectiveness of the extraordinary technical inspection in the KEMOs. It also indicates that the technical issues identified had not been found during the previous periodic inspection in IKTEO (private workshops).
The TOM also states the following: "It is recognized, however, that the failure rate of 76% in the Province of Famagusta is particularly high and differs significantly from the average of the other Districts, which requires special examination."
