LIMASSOL HAS BEEN DEFEATED IN TRAFFIC - THE CITY IS PAYING THE PRICE OF 25 YEARS OF WRONG CHOICES - WHAT INCREASE IN BUS PASSENGERS WAS RECORDED IN 9 MONTHS - Filenews 26/10 by Ioanna Mantziipa
The wrong choices of decades that led Limassol to the current traffic suffocation are criticized in an interview with "F", the CEO of EMEL, Giorgos Kyriakou, warning that, despite the increase in passenger traffic in buses, the lack of infrastructure and the dependence on the private car make it difficult to deal with the problem. "Today we are paying the price of the wrong choices of 25 years ago," he stresses, underlining that, while the need for policy change is now recognized, however, the available ground (road/space) for the required interventions does not exist. At the same time, it sends a message to the State to speed up decisions, warning that the conditions on the roads affect all citizens, the service of passengers and the endurance of drivers.
Despite the difficulties, EMEL records an increase in passenger traffic, which, according to Mr. Kyriakou, shows that citizens turn to public transport when it meets their needs. According to the data it cites, in the first nine months of 2025 the company handled approximately 4.36 million. passengers, while in the corresponding period of 2026 the number amounted to 5.14 million, recording an increase of approximately 780,000 passengers.
The data results from the telematics of an independent company, with the recording being done when issuing a ticket or cancelling a passenger card.
"In all this chaos, with all the difficulties we have and with the hours we lose in traffic, we have managed to increase the number of our passengers," says Mr. Kyriakou.
The traffic jam, however, comes at a double cost for the company. On the one hand, passengers are suffering and may attribute the delays to EMEL. On the other hand, buses lose valuable time, during which they could serve more routes and passengers. In the first nine months of 2026, the company operated a total of 293,368 routes in the Limassol district.
Mr. Kyriacou acknowledges that there is room for improvement in the operation of EMEL, but emphasizes that its performance must be evaluated taking into account the infrastructure it has. "If Limassol had even half of the infrastructure that other European cities have, the situation would be different."
"Buses move like turtles"
The lack of infrastructure and priority for public transport burdens the operation of EMEL, which has more than 200 buses in Limassol, on a daily basis. As he states, four to five incidents of accidents affecting the movement of buses are recorded daily.
"We have one of the most modern fleets in Europe, we have first-class technology, but the buses move like turtles," he notes, saying that delays also affect the next routes, while making it difficult to meet the timetables and serve passengers.
Mr. Kyriacou underlines the need to implement in Limassol measures adopted in European cities, such as bus lanes and priority lights, so that public transport gains an advantage over the private car and becomes a more attractive option for citizens.
In this context, he brings back the issue of the bus lanes included in the SUMP, pointing out that despite their construction, they have not yet been put into operation. He recognizes the concerns of businesses and citizens, but emphasizes that these should not lead to constant postponements. "We have no veto. There is no 100% acceptance in such complex projects. If we wait for everyone to agree to do something, nothing will ever happen," he says, adding that EMEL does not claim anything more than the infrastructure that is considered necessary.
He makes special reference to the coastal bus lane, where, according to him, there are 130 routes per day, with an average of 48 passengers per route and buses passing every seven to ten minutes. The data, as he underlines, demonstrate the importance of the line and the need to improve its reliability.
Regarding Nikou Pattichi Street, he notes that the implementation of a bus lane should be accompanied by the appropriate planning of routes and connections, in order to ensure effective passenger service.
The Northern Bypass is not enough
Despite the expectations that have accompanied the Limassol Northern Bypass for years, Mr. Kyriacou estimates that, even if the project is implemented, it will not be the solution to the traffic problem on its own. As he explains, the design of the existing highway began in 1983, at a time when the population and urban conditions of the city were completely different.
"It didn't concern anyone then that those who moved vertically would suffer, because at that time we had 20,000 inhabitants in the north, while the rest were in the south. What was concerned was how to get from Paphos to Nicosia and the planning achieved its purpose at the time."
Today, the street now has the characteristics of an urban highway, as the population in the northern areas of Limassol increased from 20,000 to 120,000 inhabitants. Congestion now also affects travel within the city, making the daily lives of even those living along the highway difficult.
"We are a spatially divided city! We will show our passport a little more at the roundabouts, because, if we are going to cross the border, we take half an hour and we cross. That's how much we are doing now, to go from Agia Fylla to Kapsalos and from Agios Athanasios to Mesa Geitonia", he says characteristically.
The Northern Bypass could absorb part of the traffic, mainly from vehicles moving between provinces, estimates Mr. Kyriakou. However, it is not expected to provide a substantial solution to the daily movements from the northern areas to the center and the rest of Limassol.
"The Northern Bypass would make sense if we were now discussing when it will be inaugurated. I feel that we have been defeated as Limassol on this issue," he notes, expressing his disappointment about the delays. As he clarifies, he does not reject the importance of the project, but considers that the city should have made necessary interventions in time.
The state has the biggest role
Dealing with traffic in Limassol requires coordination between the state, the municipalities, EMEL and the other stakeholders. Mr. Kyriacou acknowledges that municipalities are closer to the needs of residents, but points out, however, that their financial and institutional capabilities are not always sufficient for projects of this scale.
As he explains, the state has the competences and means to promote major interventions in infrastructure, but dealing with the problem cannot be based solely on its own actions.
"Even the state itself, which is the most powerful player, cannot solve the traffic problem on its own. EMEL is needed, the municipalities are needed and the rest of the agencies are needed", he underlines.
New central station and the contribution of CUT
An important development for the planning of EMEL is the cooperation with the CUT, as the adaptation of the university's plans to the area of the old hospital facilitates the organization of public transport in Limassol.
As Mr. Kyriakou explains, the location of the central station on Aiolou Street had been decided by the Council of Ministers. However, the concession of a small space in the old hospital by CUT to EMEL allows the company to meet additional operational needs, utilizing two different locations.
This arrangement is expected to facilitate the organisation of telematics services, the operation of station masters and the creation of support facilities for staff. At the same time, itineraries have been designed that will serve the transportation from the area of Berengaria to the CUT, offering more options to students and reducing the need to use private cars.
Bus drivers at their limits
The traffic jam in Limassol is testing the endurance not only of passengers, but also of bus drivers, who are faced with constant delays and pressure to meet the timetables. "Our drivers are on the verge of a nervous breakdown and I am not exaggerating. If the state does not understand this dimension soon, we risk not finding people driving the buses," warns Mr. Kyriakou.
Drivers, he stresses, cannot be treated as motorcycles nor shoulder responsibility for delays caused by traffic jams. As he emphasizes, a comprehensive plan is required with the strengthening of public transport, the creation of bus lanes and safe infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.
