Ioanna Kyriakou
The implementation of flexible working hours in the public service has not shown significant improvements or worsening in traffic conditions so far, according to Evi Anagiotou, Head of the Sustainable Mobility Branch at the Department of Public Works.
Anagiotou stated that clearer data on the impact of the changed working hours will be available in September, once the new academic year begins. Due to the implementation coinciding with Easter and subsequent school closures, there hasn't been enough time to fully evaluate the situation.
Anagiotou also highlighted that the staggered timetable passed by Parliament differs from the one proposed by the Nicosia Public Works Dept. She expressed hope that the timetable will be revised to provide some relief.
It is worth noting that the working hours in the public service were extended from one hour to one and a half hours, specifically from 7:00 a.m./8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m./4:00 p.m. The Nicosia Public Works Dept's recommendation was for a two-hour extension, from 7:00 a.m./9:00 a.m.
When questioned about the lack of significant improvement in traffic, Anagiotou explained that changes in traffic patterns usually take time to become evident. Since the working hours were not extended beyond 8:30 a.m., no noticeable change in traffic behavior was observed, she added.
