THE NEW Nicosia bus system, although a month behind schedule, will be fully operational with new timetables ready for distribution by the end of the month, said the head of OSEL, the company running the capital’s buses.
Iordanis Iordanou said that since the company took over operations of the Nicosia bus system last month, 20 out of the 21 planned bus routes have been introduced. OSEL was using the downtime of the slow summer months in the capital to train drivers on the 21st route which cuts across Nicosia.
Previously, Iordanou had promised to complete the new system for Nicosia by August 1, with timetables and routes made available to the public. However, by August 2, only 20 of the 21 routes were introduced, and the information leaflets had yet to be sent for printing.
“The timetables have been finished and sent off to the printers. They’ll be ready sometime around August 20. We’ll be printing around 300,000 pocket leaflets with the timetables and routes for all 21 routes planned for Nicosia,” said Iordanou.
Another 150,000 leaflets with information on single routes will also be printed for each of the 21 routes. These leaflets will show the passenger which other bus routes pass through each bus stop on that specific route, allowing them to plan a more diverse route across the capital.
The leaflets will be printed in Greek and English and will be distributed at bus stops, in buses and placed in popular magazines.
“By September 1, we will go full steam ahead with our advertising campaign. We also have 20 new buses that have arrived for the rural routes, which will also start from September 1,” said the OSEL chief.
The government has made popular use of island-wide public transport a target, with the aim of increasing public use of buses from two per cent to ten per cent by 2019. The new scheme promises easy and efficient transport throughout the island, including both inner city and inter-city transport, introducing a greater frequency of buses, more routes including night buses, reduced fares and state of the art vehicles.
The new system was officially launched in early July, despite efforts by parliament to postpone it until after the summer. Deputies showed a sensitive ear to disgruntled bus drivers who failed to negotiate new terms of employment or compensation with the Communications Ministry and new bus companies.
The drivers’ lawyer Charalambos Prountzos has claimed that around half of the licensed buses across the island are out of the system, with the biggest opposition to the new scheme found in Cyprus, where 300 of the 470 licensed buses are not part of the system.
The ministry stuck to its guns however and went ahead with its implementation, saying its doors remained open for the remaining bus drivers to discuss compensation or employment.
Iordanou did not rule out more routes for the Nicosia district once the 21 were fully operational.
“People are using the buses. Despite the summer months, we’re seeing a good increase. Touch wood, it’s going well,” he said.
Changes being felt but people still confused
By Darya Alikhani and Ariadne Lindahl
PROMISING easy and efficient transport with new vehicles, new routes, increased frequency and night buses as well as reduced fares, some changes can already be felt by those using public transport.
Leila Dapat, a regular user said: “Since July, the buses are all new and air conditioned. Before they were horrible. It’s also cheaper”
A monthly bus card which used to cost €45 is now down to €30. A single bus ticket within Nicosia has gone down from €1.30 to €1 and travelling to the surrounding villages used to cost €4 but is now down to €2.
At the moment, some confusion still reigns as regards to promised routes and the timetables, which were supposed to be in place by August 1.
The information available varies online. The OSEL website currently has a timetable up that is not yet in use with three-digit bus routes like 112, while the website for Nicosia Buses – no longer the company name – has one that resembles the old system, which is partly out of date.
Only the timetables available at the Solomou Square bus kiosk are correct for the time being, even though they may also change at a moment’s notice so people are to regularly check schedules. Users can also call the OSEL helpline at 77 77 77 55.
Commenting on his experience, first-time user Anoja from Sri Lanka said: “They were helpful!” referring to bus staff manning the kiosk. Marian from the Philippines who takes the bus every weekend also had no complaints.
There were a few however, who were less than satisfied. “The buses are late” said Michael from Deftera, an everyday user. Maroulla, a pensioner added: “It’s better than a week ago, but they still need to work on organising things.” Rana Boulan Akhtar from Pakistan said: “Sometimes they’re late, but they’re ok”.
Most of those using the buses are immigrants and pensioners some of whom appeared to be having a hard time. “I’m a senior citizen and I have problems with my heart, I can’t wait in this heat so much,” said Maria Demetriades. She said the metal benches, which attract the heat should be replaced, and more shade should be provided for those waiting.
