GROWING TRAFFIC PROBLEMS
A SERIES OF FACTORS CAUSING CONGESTION
Largely fuelled by population growth, urban sprawl and an over-reliance on cars, Cyprus today faces significant traffic congestion problems in all of its major cities. An abundance of PUBLIC PARKING SPACES is also further clogging up streets, especially in urban city centres. Cyprus officials, in response, continue to focus on a strategy that promotes sustainable mobility across the island. Although public transport has improved because of this, Cyprus still only offers BUS SERVICES as the main alternative to private cars and taxis.
PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY
Currently, the main aim of these officials is to provide commuters with easier access to public transport and cycling. In light of this, they are constantly prioritising improvements to existing public transport services and infrastructure. These include the introduction of new bus lanes that are aimed at improving the overall BUS SERVICE and the introduction of park-and-ride stations at key locations around each city. They have also overseen the introduction of new cycling networks, whilst upgrading and improving existing ones across the island.
SEVERAL NEW FEASABILITY STUDIES
Several feasibility studies for a number of different future transport options are constantly being conducted. Some of these have included the possibility of introducing light rail, which would include a new urban tram system.
ARE TRAMS ECONOMICALLY VIABLE?
Some Cyprus planning officials have found themselves at odds with the European Commission, who have historically concluded that light rail and tram systems are not economically viable in Cyprus. This conclusion has been reached because of the island’s low population density and current low baseline of public transport usage. Despite this, current Cypriot transport leadership fully acknowledges that trams could help solve several traffic congestion hotspots across the island. These ministries, with the European Commission’s input in mind, are quick to emphasise that if these systems are introduced, they muust be financially sustainable and avoid costly infrastructure that would then be hard to maintain.
A CONSTANT STUDY
As it stands, local transport ministers are still floating the idea of introducing a broader light rail or high-speed transit concept to Cyprus. This would initially link major urban hubs, such as Nicosia, Larnaca, and Limassol. After a successful pilot, trams would then be introduced to other areas, such as Paphos. In light of this, a 14.5-kilometre urban tram network with three lines is under constant study by municipal departments and independent groups in Nicosia. Officials in Limassol have also been exploring the idea of introducing a tram system that would operate in the heart of the city, and along its main coastal road, where reliance on private cars remains very high.
