Traffic jams hit hard as schools reopen

As the new school year begins, Cyprus is grappling with severe traffic congestion, highlighting a longstanding issue that intensifies with the return of students to their classrooms.

Alexis Vafeadis, Cyprus’ Minister of Transport, addressed the pressing traffic problems in an interview with Alpha TV. Vafeadis noted that the situation becomes particularly acute when schools reopen, with an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 additional passenger movements occurring over just two days. This surge places a significant strain on the existing road network, which struggles to accommodate the influx.

“The current road infrastructure is simply not equipped to handle this level of increased traffic,” Vafeadis said. “We need to address how we can better serve the schools and manage the additional traffic effectively.”

To alleviate the congestion, the Transport Ministry is focusing on enhancing public transportation options for students. Presently, around 18,500 students are transported via the school bus system, with an ambitious goal to expand this service to an additional 2,000 students. The Minister emphasized the importance of improving busing services and implementing fare reductions to make public transport a more attractive option for families.

In addition to bolstering the school transportation network, Vafeadis proposed the consideration of staggered school hours. This approach could significantly reduce the peak traffic load by spreading out the times when students are arriving at and leaving school. “Staggered school hours could be a key strategy in mitigating the congestion we experience during these busy periods,” he explained.

Vafeadis also touched upon ongoing infrastructure projects, noting that the development of a tramway system is still under discussion. While construction on this project has not yet commenced, it remains a potential long-term solution to the traffic woes affecting the island.

As Cyprus faces this annual challenge, the focus remains on finding effective solutions to manage the traffic surge and improve the overall efficiency of the transportation network. The Ministry of Transport continues to explore various strategies to ensure smoother commutes and a better quality of life for all residents.