**Vafeades Promises Comprehensive Safety Inspections for School Buses Before September**
In a recent address to the House transport committee, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades assured that all school buses in Cyprus will undergo thorough safety inspections prior to the start of the new school year in September. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to enhance the safety of school transport services across the country.
Vafeades highlighted that the road transport department initiated a series of inspections last August, which revealed various issues within the bus service. He emphasized that these inspections are crucial for identifying and addressing problems, and he confirmed that the inspections will continue throughout the summer months leading up to the school year.
“The goal is to inspect all the buses, to remove from service those which have not been properly maintained, and to place in service only those which meet the specifications,” Vafeades stated. He underscored the urgency of completing these inspections by September, ensuring that school bus services operate safely for the transportation of children.
For a bus to be legally permitted to transport students, it must possess a valid three-month MOT (Ministry of Transport) certificate. In addition to inspecting the buses themselves, Vafeades noted that his ministry will also evaluate the examination centers responsible for assessing the roadworthiness of these vehicles. This dual approach aims to ensure that both the buses and the facilities conducting the inspections meet safety standards.
Throughout the upcoming school year, the ministry plans to conduct sample inspections at various locations to further ensure compliance with safety regulations. This initiative will be partially supported by the education ministry, which is outsourcing some of the inspection processes to private entities.
The committee chairman, Sotiris Ioannou, an MP from the Elam party, expressed his intention to address the issue of unroadworthy buses in the committee after the summer recess. He reiterated the importance of ensuring that no bus posing a safety risk is allowed to operate on the roads while transporting children.
Disy MP Charalambos Pazaros echoed these sentiments, stressing that children's safety is “non-negotiable.” He raised concerns about the punctuality of scheduled technical inspections and the presence of vehicles deemed unsuitable for service. Pazaros called for stricter enforcement of existing regulations and suggested the introduction of “deterrent sanctions” for inspection centers that fail to comply with the rules.
Akel MP Yiannakis Gavriel also weighed in on the discussion, emphasizing that while safety must remain the top priority, it is essential to implement practical measures that encourage the use of buses. He noted a troubling trend where, instead of increasing bus usage, many individuals are opting to move away from public transport.
In a related comment, Alma MP Litsa Drousioti sought clarity on accountability regarding inspections that are not conducted as required. She questioned the sanctions imposed on those who violate safety regulations, highlighting that the lack of trust in bus services extends beyond safety concerns to include issues related to schedules and routes.
As the transport ministry prepares for the upcoming school year, the commitment to safety inspections reflects a broader concern for the well-being of students who rely on school buses for transportation. With the promise of thorough evaluations and the implementation of stricter regulations, officials aim to restore confidence in the safety and reliability of school transport services in Cyprus.