pame express — Cyprus Public Transport has announced the suspension of its Pame Express service in Nicosia starting from March 23 due to a shortage of bus drivers, following criticisms from the Ministry of Transport regarding the unilateral cancellation of routes.
The decision, confirmed by the company’s financial director, Tryfonas Hatzichristoforou, came as a necessary step after the service struggled to maintain its schedule with only seven drivers available to cover 80 daily routes. Hatzichristoforou elaborated in an interview with RIK radio that operational demands led to the cancellation of other routes that were part of their contractual obligations.
In light of the suspension, Cyprus Public Transport has informed the Ministry of Transport and offered an alternative for commuters to use existing buses on the same routes, albeit with longer travel times. Hatzichristoforou highlighted that to effectively address the issue, adjustments to recruitment conditions for new drivers would be essential. Proposed changes include revising age limits and the requirements surrounding proficiency in the Greek language.
Andreas Nikiforou, Head of Public Passenger Transport at the Ministry, responded by reiterating that companies are obligated to adhere to contractual agreements with the state, which includes maintaining service routes. He underscored the importance of the company actively seeking to recruit drivers and stated that any route suspensions should have been coordinated with the Ministry beforehand.
The situation has prompted discussions about the broader implications for public transport in Nicosia and the measures needed to prevent such disruptions in the future. The ongoing driver shortage raises questions about recruitment strategies and the ability of the transport system to meet the needs of the public.
