Increase of kilometers and itineraries, wifi and usb in the cabin of the bus, information about the arrival of the bus electronically and new fleet, are the basic elements included in the contract of the company OSEA with the state. The validity of the contract started on November 1 and has a ten-year duration of 2021-2031.
20% more itineraries
Speaking to "K", the personnel manager Panikos Amyragias stated that the contract envisages an increase of kilometers to serve the passenger public, which means more itineraries within the free area of Famagusta and the communities of Xylofagos, Ormidia, Dasaki Achnas and Xylotympos. As Mr. explains, the new itineraries are increased by 20% from the previous itinerary.
Fleet replacement
The fleet is gradually changing. According to Mr. Amyragias, the first 31 buses have already been ordered and will be received by March 31, 2022 at the latest. These are large buses, of which 20 are low-floor and all are accessible to the disabled, totaling 6,5 million. euros plus VAT. By 2023, the second fleet change order is expected to be skipped, which concerns another 21 buses (the 12 low-floor, the nine regional). As Mr. Amyragias emphasizes, the selection of the fleet was based on the safety of the public so that the accidents recorded in other provinces would not occur. In addition, the buses will provide WIFI and usb access, which is estimated to enhance the use of the bus by the public.
Real time update
It is worth noting that with the implementation of the contract, a new method of informing the public in precise time is introduced through applications on telephones or screens at smart bus stops and on the OSEA website. Thoughts for creating an application either with our own application or we will cooperate with existing companies. They are already collaborating with platforms such as Moovit and Motion, while there are thoughts for creating their own application.
Mr. Amyragias commented that the use of buses in the province of Famagusta has a greater impact during the summer season by both tourists and students and employees to and from their communities.
It is recalled that the contract provides for the provision of public passenger transport services by bus in the province of Famagusta for the amount of 59,675,040 million.00 euros plus VAT and with the right of the contracting authority to extend the services up to 50% for the amount of 44, 285,500.00 plus VAT . The start date of the concession contract was set for November 1, 2021.
kathimerini.com.cy
