Yiannis Armeftis, speaking to Politis, made it clear that this cannot happen under current conditions, stating that “a bus lane will not operate for one or two buses per hour.”
The issue of whether the bus lane should be created or not had sparked strong reactions about a year ago, with the matter even reaching Parliament. After a series of discussions, the minister at the time referred the matter to the Limassol Municipal Council for a decision. Despite the council’s unanimous negative position, the project proceeded as planned.
Under the design, the bus lane was intended to operate during peak hours, namely two hours in the morning from 07:30 to 09:30 and two hours in the afternoon from 17:00 to 19:00.
“Only under conditions”
“The bus lane can operate only under certain conditions related to frequency, so that it is useful and beneficial. If a bus passes every 30 minutes, we will not allow it to operate,” Mr Armeftis explained.
He added that other projects set as prerequisites have not progressed. These include the park and ride facility at the Polemidia roundabout, the mobility hub at the EBKAF and Tsirio areas, and the Aiolou transfer centre, all of which remain pending and are interconnected.
Mr Armeftis also raised the issue of possibly operating the lane as a high‑occupancy vehicle lane, noting that it has yet to be determined who would be allowed to use it.
“Disagreements also on other projects”
The Mayor also referred to other aspects of the project implemented by the Public Works Department, saying that “significant mistakes have been made in the design.”
“We do not disagree with the philosophy of promoting sustainable urban mobility projects, but these must be designed correctly,” he said, pointing to serious issues on Gladstonos, Anastasios Soukri, Emmanouil Roidi and Thekla Lysioti streets, as well as Ierou Lochou and other areas, where the municipality is seeking corrections.
He noted that the contract currently underway will be completed in two months and called for adjustments to traffic lights. As an example, he suggested removing traffic lights near the Public Garden on Anastasios Soukri street.
Asked to comment on public complaints about an excessive number of pedestrian crossings in areas where they may not be necessary, Mr Armeftis said that these measures are intended to calm traffic and reduce vehicle speeds. He added that they should be tested, evaluated and amended where needed.
Road resurfacing across the city
Responding to criticism over the condition of the road network, Mr Armeftis asked for patience, listing numerous roads that have already been resurfaced as part of both municipal work and Public Works projects.
He acknowledged that the condition of the southern part of Anexartisias Street is unacceptable and said that tenders have already been issued.
Within one month, the road is expected to be restored, with paving blocks to be removed and replaced with asphalt from Themidos to the seafront as a temporary solution until the full redevelopment of Anexartisias is carried out.
