**Title: ‘The Safety of Pupils Remains a Top Priority,’ Says Transport Department**
The Road Transport Department (TOM) of Cyprus has reaffirmed its commitment to pupil safety in school transportation, announcing that by the end of the 2025-26 school year, 70 percent of the school transport fleet will have undergone inspections at state vehicle testing centres (KEMO). This announcement comes in light of recent findings from the auditor-general’s report on school buses, which highlighted significant safety concerns.
In a statement released on Thursday, TOM emphasized that "the safety of pupils remains a top priority." The department is already implementing stricter safety measures ahead of the upcoming school year, which include enhanced inspections and oversight of school transport services. This proactive approach aims to address the technical faults identified in the auditor-general’s report and to ensure that all school buses meet safety standards.
The auditor-general’s report revealed that more than a third of school buses had failed state inspections, prompting TOM to take immediate action. The department noted that many of the technical faults highlighted in the report had already been detected through extraordinary sample inspections conducted at KEMO. These inspections led to the implementation of corrective measures and sanctions against non-compliant contractors.
To further bolster safety, TOM has introduced additional checks beyond the mandatory inspections required by law at private vehicle inspection centres (IKTEO). These preventive measures have proven effective, as inspectors have identified vehicles with technical defects that were previously overlooked during inspections at private centres. Depending on the severity of the defects, some buses were repaired and returned to service, while others were permanently withdrawn from the school transport fleet.
Under the directives issued by the transport minister in recent years, school buses are now required to pass a technical inspection within three months before the start of the school year, in addition to meeting statutory requirements. This regulation aims to ensure that all vehicles are in optimal condition before they transport students.
TOM has also taken steps to enforce compliance among contractors regarding the timely presentation of vehicles for inspection. The department has imposed contractual penalties for non-compliance and has initiated investigations into cases where buses approved by private testing centres were later deemed unsuitable during KEMO checks. When violations are confirmed, the provisions of the Motor Vehicles (Technical Inspection and Technical Inspection Centres) Law will be enforced, and appropriate sanctions will be applied.
In response to the ongoing safety concerns, TOM is planning refresher training for personnel at private inspection centres who are responsible for heavy vehicle inspections. This initiative aims to improve the quality of inspections and ensure that all vehicles meet the necessary safety standards.
Additionally, investigative files have been prepared and forwarded to the police regarding school buses operating in the Famagusta district without valid roadworthiness certificates. Contractors responsible for these vehicles have received strict warnings and financial penalties in accordance with their concession agreements.
The findings from the auditor-general's report have underscored the importance of the additional inspections and the necessity for continued and enhanced oversight of the school transport service. TOM is committed to implementing the recommendations made by the Audit Office and ensuring that all parties involved in school transport adhere to the highest safety standards.
As the new school year approaches, the Road Transport Department is focused on reinforcing safety measures and ensuring that parents can trust the school transport system to prioritize the well-being of their children. The department's ongoing efforts reflect a broader commitment to improving safety standards across the transportation sector in Cyprus.