Cyprus public transport struggles to compete with private cars

A report by the Cyprus Court of Audit has revealed that public transportation in Nicosia is failing to provide an efficient alternative to private vehicles. The study utilized a ‘mystery shopper’ method, where 110 inspectors traveled on urban lines to assess service quality firsthand.

The findings indicate significant systemic issues, including unreliable schedules, poor bus frequency, and inadequate stop locations. Notably, 55% of bus stops in Nicosia failed to provide route information, and only 13% were equipped with automated information systems. Due to these deficiencies, 63% of surveyed passengers stated they would not use the service again.

According to Eurostat data released in March, 85% of people over the age of 16 in Cyprus do not use public transport, the highest percentage in the European Union. While Cyprus Public Transport stated that many of the identified issues are currently being addressed, auditors concluded that the existing network is not an economically efficient option compared to personal car use.