A NEW WAY TO COMMUTE INTO THE CITY
WHAT IS PARK & RIDE?
The park-and-ride system is part of the island’s sustainable urban mobility plan, designed to reduce urban traffic congestion. This scheme does this by encouraging drivers to leave their vehicles at designated perimeter parking lots and then commute into city centres by using regular express bus services. The success of the scheme as a whole has allowed for major expansion. In light of this, several projects are currently underway across the whole island to build a comprehensive nationwide network of Park and Ride facilities.
A FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE TO EACH CITY
Several free park-and-ride initiatives have recently been introduced following the success of the first one that was introduced in 2020. This scheme, which is partly funded by European Union initiatives to help cut down CO2 emissions and traffic congestion, has been touted as an important tool for the future of traffic management in Cyprus. Offering both a robust and convenient way to commute to each city, the scheme operates on the basis that drivers park their cars in designated car park areas and then transfer to a free regular bus service. Buses, which normally run Monday to Friday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, usually follow a circular route that services both the city centre and other neighbouring suburbs.
OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC
It is thought that since its introduction, this scheme as a whole has significantly reduced traffic congestion and competition for parking spaces within each city. This initial success has allowed the project to expand, and its success has also allowed for a series of new features to be integrated into perimeter car parks involved in the scheme. These include electric bus shuttles and access to public bicycle rentals. Although this scheme, which is managed by CYPRUS PUBLIC TRANSPORT, is squarely aimed at employees and students, its success has also seen other members of the general public use the service to visit city centres. Whilst both parking and the express bus are free of charge, users of the scheme are required to possess a valid Cyprus Bus Motion Card that helps to record their journeys.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Smart Ticketing: A Cyprus Bus Motion Card is recommended for this scheme. This will seamlessly link free parking validation with free bus fares when using the scheme.
Peak Times: Shuttle buses run most frequently from 7:00 am to 9:00 am in the mornings and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the afternoons.
Transit Tracking: Real-time bus arrivals and schedule updates for the park-and-ride shuttles can be tracked live via the PAME APP managed by CYPRUS PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
Click here for information regarding the timetable and route stops
PARK & RIDE IN LIMASSOL
Kato Polemidia: Currently has parking facilities for at least 190 vehicles. This service features a dedicated shuttle that takes commuters directly into the Nicosia city centre in about 20 minutes.
Agios Tychonas: Currently has parking facilities for at least 160 vehicles. This service features a dedicated shuttle that takes commuters directly into the Nicosia city centre in about 25 minutes.
Kolossi: Currently has parking facilities for at least 180 vehicles. This service features a dedicated shuttle that takes commuters directly into the Nicosia city centre in about 35 minutes.
There are four main bus routes in operation, comprehensively linking the suburb car park with the city centre.
My Mall Shopping Centre: Route 23
The Old Hospital Station: Route 23A
The Limassol Marina: Route 33
The Central Hospital: Route 18
The following regional routes to various villages have also been incorporated into the scheme
Omodos, Pachna, Ayios Ambrosios, Kanto, and then Limassol: Route 40
Pissouri, Avdimou, Kandamos, and then Limassol: Route 70
Prastio, Avdimou, and then Limassol: Route 71
PARK & RIDE IN NICOSIA
The GSP Stadium: Operated by Pame Express Park & Ride, this facility currently has parking facilities for at least 240 vehicles. This service features a dedicated shuttle that takes commuters directly into the Nicosia city centre in about 30 minutes.
PARK & RIDE IN LARNACA
Aradippou: Currently has parking facilities for at least 140 vehicles. This service features a dedicated shuttle that takes commuters directly into the Nicosia city centre in about 25 minutes.
Kalo Chorio: Currently has parking facilities for at least 180 vehicles. This service features a dedicated shuttle that takes commuters directly into the Nicosia city centre in about 35 minutes.
