Limassol and Larnaca set for greener urban transport

Cyprus has officially launched its Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMP) for Limassol and Larnaca, making a significant step towards the the country’s transition towards greener, more accessible urban spaces.

Funded through the EU Recovery and Resilience Plan, the projects aim to reduce traffic congestion, enhance public transport, and promote eco-friendly alternatives such as cycling and walking.

The projects, funded through the EU Recovery and Resilience Plan, were presented at a joint event on Friday, with the participation of the European Commission's DG Reform and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Alexis Vafeades, stressed the government's commitment to creating more accessible and environmentally friendly cities. He outlined two pillars: first, encouraging citizens to embrace public transport and reduce reliance on private cars, and second, renewing the national vehicle fleet with electric and non-polluting vehicles.

The Minister said that the projects in Limassol, and Larnaca will reduce traffic congestion, improve public transport infrastructure and promote cleaner, more energy efficient modes of transportation such as walking, cycling and public transport.

“By investing in these sustainable urban mobility strategies, we are ensuring that our cities become more accessible, liveable and resilient to future disruptions. The long-term impact of these projects will not only benefit the environment but also enhance the quality of life for all Cypriots citizens” he said.

“Our vision for Cyprus is clear: to become a nation where sustainable mobility is at the heart of urban planning”, he went on to say.

The minister also stressed the importance of partnerships, extending gratitude to DG Reform, the EIB, and local authorities for their vital roles in bringing these projects to life."

Today's event is not just a ceremonial launch of projects, it is the launch of a new era in sustainable urban mobility, he said, reaffirming the ministry’s dedication to further advancing green mobility initiatives.

Representing the Minister of Finance, Permanent Secretary of the Directorate-General for Growth Andreas Zachariades, pointed out the significance of financial collaboration for the project. He said that the investment comes from a combination of local, national and international sources. Among the most significant contributors are the European Union, through the Recovery and Resilience facility and regional policy, and the European Investment Bank.

He emphasized how the €100 million allocated through Cyprus’ Recovery and Resilience Plan for green transition, with a particular focus on sustainable transport, aligns with broader EU objectives such as the European Green Deal.

He added that the sustainable mobility projects in Limassol and Larnaca, with a total budget of €26.5 million, include fast lanes, cycle-ways, and park-and-ride stations. As he said the sustainable urban mobility plan projects were complemented with an additional €5 million euros allocated to accessibility enhancing measures which aim to improve conditions for people with disabilities, cyclist and pedestrians.

"These investments are aligned with our broader vision of enhancing urban mobility, promoting environmental sustainability and achieving climate neutrality," Zachariades said.

Vice-President of the European Investment Bank Kyriacos Kakouris, highlighted the importance of collaboration in bringing these ambitious projects to fruition, saying that the design phase of this project was completed by the EIB advisory service.

He noted the shift from planning to implementation, with 62 kilometers of improved transport corridors in the pipeline, including bus lanes, bike paths, and upgraded road safety measures in key urban areas.

Among others, he said that they were planning three central bus stations, one in Larnaca and two in Limassol as well as four park and ride areas two in Larnaca and two in Limassol.

He added that sustainability was in the heart of this project, with improvements that will tackle traffic congestion but also lower carbon emissions.

“This is a critical step for Cyprus in meeting its climate goals and contributed to the European Union wider effort to tackle climate change”, he said.

Kakouris further said that sustainability was not just about environment, but it was also about making the cities more liveable. As he said, the project will make transport faster and more efficient and will encourage more people to walk and cycle, making the streets safer and the people healthier. It will also ensure that everyone, including those with the with disabilities, has better access to transport options.

Acting Director-General of European Commission’s DG Reform Judit Rozsa, praised the collaboration between Cyprus and the EU, noting that urban mobility was key to sustainable development across Europe. She stressed that the projects in Limassol and Larnaca were part of a broader effort to meet the EU’s climate goals and reduce car dependency in urban areas.

"In Cyprus the share of cars is over 90%, resulting in road safety risks, accessibility and quality of life issue, environmental degradation and the loss of economic efficiency," Rozsa said.

Rozsa, praised Cyprus for the swift and efficient delivery of its Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan projects in Limassol and Larnaca. She emphasized the strong ownership displayed by the Cypriot Ministry of Transport, noting that the rapid transition from project design to implementation, starting with the tendering phase, was a key success factor.

Rozsa also stressed the broader significance of these projects, stating that they serve as a model for other cities aiming to enhance urban mobility and environmental sustainability. She concluded by reaffirming DG Reform's commitment to supporting Cyprus in its mobility efforts and other key reforms in the future.