Source: CNA
Connecting to a Wi-Fi network with 5G speed will now be possible for passengers of the Cyprus Public Transport buses. The 5G network connectivity is being implemented in the company's fleet of 300 buses in Nicosia and Larnaca, as well as in bus stations. Moreover, passengers will also have more route options beginning January 29th.
Yiannis Karousos, Minister of Transport, Communications and Works spoke of the upgrade being done on public transport in Nicosia and Larnaca. He said that data show there is already increased interest in public transportation. In particular, in December 2021 there was an increase of 27% in tickets and bus cards in Nicosia and 57% in Larnaca, in comparison to December 2020.
He added that the new route network will include early morning and night bus routes. At the same time, there will be an increase in frequency, an expansion of hours and better coordination at transfer points. This will result in less waiting time, as well as the fastest routes.
“Our goal is for the bus to become a viable alternative to private vehicles,”
The Minister added that the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan is under preparation, with the first deliverable result being the study for a complete bus-lane network, for which there is already an approved budget of €4 million. He said that this will bring major changes to transportation.
This is the beginning of a new age of connectivity, said CPT’s CEO Julio Tironi, presenting the new network. The company will be the first in Cyprus and the EU to implement bus connectivity at 5G speed. This will result in stress-free transportation along with high-speed connectivity, he added.
“Our goal is for the bus to become a viable alternative to private vehicles,” he noted. This will be possible through the above, as well as the new route network in Nicosia. This will interconnect the whole city, using multiple hubs, decentralizing the Solomou Square hub, which is now the main one.
CYTA’s CEO, Andreas Neocleous mentioned that this project would not have been possible if CYTA hadn’t already made a great investment in the fastest mobile network in Europe. Today there is 98% population coverage for 5G and the plan is to reach 100% by March 2022, he said. This coverage percentage is also a first in Europe, he added.
“We are very happy that our actions speak louder than words”, he said, adding that the 5G network is not only a fast internet network, but it will make automation development possible and allow us to use applications that provide a better quality of life.
“Transportation will become safer, more efficient and sustainable, and ultimately it will serve its citizens in the best way possible," he pointed out.
