Around 2024 new "smart" bus stops and shelters will be installed by 300, while another 100 existing shelters will be repaired, Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Alexis Vafeadis, said on Thursday during a press conference on the project to upgrade stops and bus shelters throughout Cyprus, adding that priority will be given to stops on the main axes, where high usage is observed.
The Minister of Transport, speaking at the Air Control facilities in Strovolou Industrial Area, stated that "in the present phase, the standard samples of the stands and canopies are being finalized and preparations are being completed for the start of mass production, which is planned to start in July 2024".
He added that the design of the new sheds has been drawn up by the company Demades Design Ltd and takes into account both the local conditions and the space available for their installation. He further said that the implementation of the project has been undertaken by the joint venture AS Air Control LTD & AMCO ABEEJV under a contract with a total value of 74 million euros, which includes the basic implementation and ten-year maintenance.
He added that the repair work of the existing shelters has already begun, will be intensified and will continue alongside the installation of the new stands/shelters.
At the same time, Mr. Vafeadis reminded that the Ministry maintains in force the plan to subsidize bus shelters to local authorities to meet needs until they are included for upgrading in the context of the all-Cypriot project.
Mr. Vafeadis stated that within 2024 approximately 300 new stops and shelters will be installed, while another 100 existing shelters will be repaired, noting that priority is given to stops on the main axes, where high usage is observed.
The Minister characterized the project of producing the upgraded bus stops and shelters and installing them throughout Cyprus, as "ambitious, necessary and of the utmost importance for the improvement of public transport in our country", recalling that the implementation of the project would not be possible without securing funding from the political cohesion program "THALEIA 2021-2027" of the European Union.
The goal, said Mr. Vafeadis, is the coordinated upgrade of the infrastructure for public transport, creating a comfortable, safe and accessible environment for passengers waiting for the bus, while in addition to their functional upgrade, high aesthetics are also achieved.
The Minister of Transport said that the construction method of each stop is quite clever since it looks like "Lego" and additional elements and services can be added in the future. The intention, Mr. Vafeadis continued, is for these areas to evolve and not be waiting areas, but areas where information will be provided and anything else that can be a service to the citizens.
"We intend to take advantage of the presence of these infrastructures within the urban network to offer more services to citizens. Even drinking water - we are discussing - how we could offer," he said.
When asked if he believes that after this change citizens will have second thoughts and use the buses, instead of their private vehicles, Mr. Vafeadis said that "it is not something we want to impose. It is a choice that we want to give to the citizens, and the citizens will choose it, if we provide a quality, fast and economically sound solution."
"We are moving forward and improving the image of public transport infrastructure, making the bus a real and decent transportation option for all citizens," said Mr. Vafeadis, noting that the aim of the project is to contribute to increasing the use of buses and, by extension, improving of road safety, alleviating traffic problems and supporting vulnerable urban and rural population groups.
Mr. Vafeadis, when asked if there is any development in relation to the demands of the bus drivers, replied that there is a negotiation for the renewal of the collective agreement, adding that it is a matter handled by the Ministry of Labour.
In the presentation of the project, the Project Coordinator and Executive Engineer of Public Works, Aristotelis Savva, spoke of a "major project that aims to upgrade all public transport infrastructure" noting that the shelter-stop is the first project that has been commissioned and is progressing.
At the same time, he continued, "we are also planning to upgrade the central bus stations, including infrastructure for electric charging of the buses themselves". He indicated that by 2030 the bus fleets will be fully electric.
He noted that the goal is to upgrade both the physical and functional condition of bus stops and shelters throughout Cyprus by increasing quality, suitability, safety, and to achieve cleanliness at bus stop points in full cooperation with municipalities and communities.
Mr. Savva reviewed the events and the meetings that took place, noting that a full record of the shelter-stands was made and today there are approximately 5.000 stands throughout Cyprus that have been included in the project for upgrading or repair.
He noted that the uniform design and specifications of the four main types of stands were followed in order to be user-friendly and provide safety from the weather. He indicated that the project worked as a pilot with three samples on Makariou Avenue.
At the same time, Mr. Savva presented the tender process for the project noting that the project is now implemented in four phases with production starting in mid-July.
In response to a question about whether the passenger waiting at the stop will know where the bus is and the waiting time, Mr. Savva said that there will be a telematics system and will inform on a screen at the stop how long the bus will arrive. He added that this information will also be available on mobile in Motion's “Cyprus Bus” application, which is the official application of the Ministry of Public Transport, Communications and Works of Cyprus and provides all information about bus routes in Cyprus and the actual bus arrival time at each stop. He reminded that at most stops there will be a screen showing the expected arrival time of the bus.
The Director of the Air Control Ltd Company and Representative of the ASAIRCONTROL LTD & AMCO ABEE Consortium Contractor, Michalis Loukas, said for his part that the project is expected to upgrade public transport in Cyprus, noting that the smart bus stops project incorporates the values of company, such as accessibility for all, travel comfort, energy saving and the implementation of smart solutions.
"With solar panels, waste bins, bike shelters and real-time information, we aim to turn waiting at the bus stop into a pleasant experience," said Mr Loukas.
He noted that emphasis is placed on trying to have the project components produced and manufactured in Cyprus, thus supporting the local economy and creating new jobs. "We are working creatively to implement the project to the highest quality and within the agreed timelines," said Mr. Loukas.
He added that the project is not just a business activity but a social project that upgrades the daily life of citizens and leaves a positive imprint on future generations.
The Project Coordinator, on behalf of the Contractor, Nikolas Constantinou, made a technical presentation of the project. At the same time, he presented the installation program of the new roofs and the repairs, saying that it will start from Nicosia in the near future.
After the end of the press conference, the pilot samples were presented at the premises of the Air Control Ltd Company.
Source: KYPE
