**Public Transport Must Earn Trust, Says Vafeades**
In a recent interview with the Cyprus Mail, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades addressed the multifaceted challenges facing Cyprus' transport sector, including traffic congestion, road safety, and the transition to electric vehicles. Vafeades emphasized that the government’s primary goal is to make everyday travel more manageable while investing in infrastructure that supports long-term growth and sustainability.
One of the central issues highlighted by Vafeades is the heavy reliance on private cars in Cyprus, which remains one of the most car-dependent countries in Europe. He acknowledged that despite ongoing efforts to promote public transportation, many citizens continue to favor their vehicles due to past inadequacies in public transport services. “We have to be honest about this,” Vafeades stated. “People in Cyprus rely heavily on their cars because, for many years, public transport did not meet their daily needs.”
To encourage a shift in commuting habits, Vafeades argued that public transport must first be a viable alternative. “Before asking people to change habits, the state must first offer a service that is reliable, frequent, and practical,” he said. The ministry's strategy includes improving bus schedules, increasing service frequency on key routes, expanding real-time passenger information systems, and introducing more park-and-ride options. He believes that if citizens perceive public transport as a time-saving, cost-effective, and convenient option, they will be more inclined to use it.
Another pressing issue is the shortage of professional drivers, which Vafeades described as a widespread problem across Europe that affects service reliability. The ministry is collaborating with transport operators to enhance the attractiveness of the profession through better workforce planning, more predictable schedules, and a review of training and licensing procedures. “Public transport cannot become a reliable alternative unless we also support the people who operate it every day,” he noted.
Vafeades envisions a safer and better-connected Cyprus, with infrastructure designed to enhance quality of life, support businesses, and strengthen communities. His priorities include improving road safety, enhancing public transport, reducing congestion, supporting the green transition, and strengthening connectivity as an island state. Road safety initiatives focus on upgrading infrastructure, improving junctions, enhancing lighting, adding pedestrian crossings, and expanding cycling facilities, alongside awareness campaigns targeting younger drivers.
On the issue of congestion, Vafeades asserted that simply building more roads will not suffice. “We need smarter traffic management, targeted improvements at key points, better public transport, and more options for people to move without depending entirely on the private car,” he explained. The ministry's approach combines infrastructure upgrades with enforcement, education, and alternative mobility options to address traffic pressures more effectively.
A significant project currently underway is the Limassol north bypass, aimed at alleviating congestion on one of the island's busiest transport routes. Vafeades mentioned that the project has been divided into three phases, with procurement expected by the end of 2026 and construction slated for completion within three years. He emphasized that the government is adopting a phased and evidence-based approach to road infrastructure investments, ensuring that projects are technically sound, environmentally responsible, and financially sustainable.
In addition to domestic mobility, Cyprus aims to enhance its role as a regional maritime, aviation, and logistics hub through its participation in the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). “Our objective is for Cyprus to be seen not as a periphery, but as a gateway,” Vafeades stated, highlighting the importance of connectivity for trade, tourism, resilience, and supply-chain security. He noted that ports are critical infrastructure for an island economy and that future plans include upgrading facilities, expanding digital systems, and promoting greener practices across the sector.
Addressing concerns about regional instability, particularly in the Middle East, Vafeades assured that the government is closely monitoring developments to safeguard transport links and fuel supplies. “We cannot control every external factor, but we can prepare better and build a more resilient system,” he said.
The ministry is also advancing efforts to support the transition to electric vehicles, with plans for expanding charging infrastructure in urban areas, along major routes, and in remote locations. “The transition will only succeed if citizens feel that the necessary infrastructure is actually available,” he emphasized.
Looking ahead, Vafeades sees technology as a vital tool for enhancing transport services, from real-time passenger information to smarter traffic management and more efficient infrastructure planning. “The goal is not innovation for its own sake,” he remarked. “The goal is to use technology where it improves safety, efficiency, sustainability, and the everyday experience of citizens.”
As the government continues to address these challenges, Vafeades remains optimistic about the future of public transport in Cyprus, stressing the importance of earning the trust of the public to foster a more sustainable and efficient transport system.