Transport Minister outlines bus, tram and Limassol road plans for 2027

Βus services need improvements, Transport Minister Evie Tsolaki has acknowledged, as she outlined plans to address traffic congestion, update a study on a possible tram network and advance major road projects in Limassol in 2027.

Speaking on Sigma TV’s Mesimeri kai Kati, Tsolaki recognised that congestion has become a serious problem, particularly in Nicosia and Limassol, and said it required a coordinated approach across several policy areas.

“This is not an issue that emerged today or yesterday,” she said, adding that urban expansion had not been adequately anticipated in past planning.

In Limassol, growth in areas including Agia Fyla, Agios Athanasios, Mesa Geitonia and Germasogeia has increased traffic pressure towards the city centre.

Tsolaki said tackling congestion would require a combination of measures rather than a single solution. She also raised the possibility of relocating public and wider public-sector services away from city centres to help reduce traffic.

Minister acknowledges problems with bus services

The minister addressed findings from a recent Audit Office report on public transport, including its finding that 63% of people who had used buses did not want to use them again.

“I will not say that the Audit Office’s findings are wrong,” she said, acknowledging that problems needed to be addressed.

Tsolaki accepted that journey times on certain routes were excessive, while stressing that the issue did not affect every service.

“Those routes will be reviewed, and we will improve them,” she said.

She also acknowledged problems with smart bus stops and said corrective measures would be taken. The Audit Office report, she added, provided a useful basis for identifying weaknesses, some of which had already been addressed.

One improvement was the ability to search for bus routes through Google Maps, which she said had been available since May 2026.

The ministry is also considering increasing the number of services and improving frequency on routes where demand requires it.

“We may need to increase the number of services or make certain routes more frequent,” Tsolaki said.

She also highlighted the need to make better use of bus lanes and reduce reliance on private cars.

“These lanes need to be filled with buses,” she said.

Public awareness and bus frequency targeted

Tsolaki said passengers needed better information about available services, routes and discounts for eligible groups.

She confirmed that instructions had been given for a public information campaign and said the ministry would examine routes and gaps in the system more closely.

The minister also said she wanted buses to become a realistic option not only for people without access to other transport, but also for those who currently rely on private vehicles.

Tram study for Nicosia and Limassol to be updated

The Transport Ministry will update a previous study on the possibility of introducing a tram network in Nicosia and Limassol.

Tsolaki said a 2015 study had concluded that the project was not viable. However, following expressions of interest from the mayors of both cities, the ministry had decided to reassess the situation.

“The study will be updated by the Transport Ministry,” she said, stressing that a project of this scale could not proceed without sufficient evidence and an assessment of actual needs.

Asked whether funding or subsidies could be secured for a tram network, she said the updated study would determine the next steps.

It will examine the required investment, financial viability and the project’s social benefits.

Changes considered to ease traffic disruption in Paphos

Tsolaki also addressed disruption caused by roadworks in Paphos, acknowledging that the works had created serious traffic problems.

The Public Works Department had introduced arrangements to allow two-way traffic, with assistance from the police.

If the measures prove ineffective, the ministry will consider amending the contractor’s agreement to allow work to take place at night, she said.

Tsolaki added that she had remained in contact with the acting director of the Public Works Department to address the situation.

€100,000 available to remove road speed bumps

The ministry has allocated €100,000 in its budget for removing road speed bumps, Tsolaki said.

However, the ministry cannot initiate removals on its own. A request must be submitted by the relevant local authority and approved by the competent Traffic Issues Body.

Municipalities can submit requests, while the police can also raise the issue, she said. Any changes to the road network must receive the necessary approval.

Major Limassol road projects planned for 2027

Tsolaki said major road projects planned for Limassol remained in the state budget, despite concerns over the absence of large allocations reflecting their full estimated costs.

She explained that the necessary studies had not yet been completed, meaning the projects were not currently listed with their full projected expenditure.

“The projects are in the budget,” she said, adding that smaller initial allocations did not mean the projects could not proceed.

Once the studies are completed, the necessary funds can be released and tenders issued during 2027, she said.

Tsolaki described the projects as a priority for both her ministry and the President of the Republic, adding that efforts were under way to complete the studies as quickly as possible.

She expressed confidence that the process would advance over the coming year, with major Limassol road projects expected to be put out to tender.

Also read: Audit Office warns 63% would not use Nicosia buses again
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