School bus safety will be the focal point of discussions for parliament’s newly formed transport committee next week, as MPs respond to the Audit Office’s recent report on the school transport system. This decision was announced following the committee’s inaugural meeting on Thursday, which was attended by Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades.
Focus on School Bus Inspections
During the meeting, the committee reviewed a range of critical issues including traffic congestion, speed cameras, and major road projects, but school bus safety emerged as the immediate priority. The Audit Office’s findings revealed concerning data regarding the condition of school buses, with 35 per cent of vehicles examined at public inspection centres failing to meet safety standards. Alarmingly, 19 per cent of those deemed unsuitable had previously received certifications from private testing facilities.
Minister Vafeades stated that the inspections had led to penalties for non-compliant operators, with some being referred to court for further action. He emphasised that the ministry is committed to enhancing road safety and student protection, stating, “Our work on road safety and student safety continues and is being intensified.”
Minister’s Commitment to Improvement
Vafeades acknowledged the serious nature of past incidents involving school buses, but reassured that corrective actions are ongoing. “We had this very bad experience with the buses, but we are continuing the actions we started and will continue implementing them,” he affirmed. The minister’s comments reflect a proactive approach to addressing the systemic issues identified in the report.
Addressing Traffic Congestion
In addition to school bus safety, traffic congestion was another significant topic of discussion during the meeting. Vafeades highlighted the challenge posed by an annual increase of approximately 10,000 vehicles on Cyprus’ roads, particularly in Limassol, where congestion has become increasingly problematic.
To mitigate this issue, the minister outlined the need for new road infrastructure. While acknowledging that such projects take time, he asserted that the ministry and parliament are collaborating to explore viable solutions. Among the proposals under consideration is a plan to categorise and prioritise around 60 roads identified by Limassol’s mayors for necessary upgrades.
Calls for Infrastructure Improvements
Disy MP Charalambos Pazaros echoed Vafeades’ sentiments, asserting that improving the road network should be a top priority for the government. He pointed out that inadequate infrastructure continues to adversely affect the daily lives of citizens, leading to significant delays and inconveniences.
Pazaros also drew attention to staffing shortages within the Road Transport Department, which he claimed are exacerbating the situation. “These shortages are causing significant delays and inconvenience for hundreds of members of the public,” he remarked.
Commitment from Other Political Parties
Diko MP Giorgos Savvides reiterated his party’s commitment to working constructively with the transport ministry. He stressed that the publication of the Audit Office’s report should not imply that the ministry was unaware of the problems affecting school buses. “Several shortcomings had already been identified by the ministry itself, and corrective measures are underway,” he stated.
He further asserted that the latest findings from the report will be instrumental in ensuring a safe operation of the school transport system by September. “Our children must be transported safely because this is an institution that has been successful,” Savvides added.
Future Projects and Expectations
In addition to the immediate focus on school bus safety and traffic issues, Savvides called for the expedited progress of the long-delayed Paphos–Polis Chrysochous road project. He urged the government to provide a clear timetable for the commencement of construction, emphasising the need for accountability in the delivery of essential infrastructure projects.
The next steps for the transport committee will involve diving deeper into the findings of the Audit Office’s report, with an emphasis on developing actionable strategies for improvement. As the committee prepares to address school bus safety, the broader implications for road safety and infrastructure development remain at the forefront of public and political discourse.
