Mountain mum demands cash for bus route

A BUS driver and her 12 children descended on the Transport Department in Nicosia yesterday to demand the €13,000 she claims the government has owed her for years.

Sotiroula Michaelidou told reporters outside the Communications Ministry that the government has owed her the money for the last four years.

According to state broadcaster CyBC, Michaelidou demanded an apology from department head, Soteris Kolettas, for allegedly referring to her as a “poor woman” whom the state owed nothing.

Following the family’s arrival, Kolettas invited her and her husband to his office where the three discussed the matter, eventually agreeing to conclude the dispute in a final meeting next Wednesday.

The Transport Department head told the Cyprus Mail that the whole issue was about a specific bus route in the mountainous area of Palechori, which was not a part of the routes previously agreed upon with the ministry.

“It is a service she claims she performed during a transitional period where responsibility for pupils’ transport went from the Education Ministry to the Communications Ministry. There is some confusion as to whether it was happening and with what frequency,” said Kolettas.

He added that Michaelidou had brought new evidence with her yesterday which would help to conclude the department’s own investigation into the matter.

“Next Wednesday I will meet with all the drivers of this specific route. I’m sure we’ll reach agreement so the state pays whatever is due.”

Asked whether he had agreed to give Michaelidou the money she claims is owed, he replied: “The battle is over. It has been sorted out with honesty and understanding. Next week, we will meet.”