Approximately 500 buses, nearly half of those utilized for student and professional transportation, were affected today by the decision of the Ministry of Transport to take out of service vehicles engaged in public transportation.
According to Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades, not only students but also workers in Paphos and intercity routes have been impacted.
The Minister explained that companies have accepted the decision to withdraw all buses that do not have an automatic fire extinguishing system.
Their disagreement lies in the fact that companies believe the public contract they have signed only pertains to new buses, not the older ones.
A crucial point highlighting issues of responsibility, as indicated by Mr. Vafeades, is that buses lacking the specified system were inspected and approved by state services, according to the companies’ claims.
Mr. Vafeades added that any bus equipped with an automatic fire extinguishing system would be allowed back into circulation.
The Minister of Transport deemed the situation unacceptable, apologized to the citizens, and requested patience to implement the necessary safety measures for all buses without exception.
