Parliament’s newly formed transport committee will focus first on school bus safety next week, following the release of an Audit Office report revealing significant faults in the school transport system. The report found that 35% of buses inspected at public centres failed safety tests, with 19% having previously passed inspections at private facilities. Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades confirmed that penalties have been issued and some cases referred to court.

The committee’s inaugural meeting also highlighted issues including traffic congestion, particularly in Limassol, taxi licensing, speed cameras, Takata airbags, and major road infrastructure projects. Vafeades noted the annual addition of about 10,000 vehicles is intensifying congestion, emphasizing that infrastructure improvements are necessary but slow to implement.

MPs stressed the importance of upgrading roads and addressing staffing shortages at the Road Transport Department. Diko MP Giorgos Savvides urged swift progress on the delayed Paphos–Polis Chrysochous road project and reaffirmed that the ministry was already aware of school bus safety issues and actively working on solutions to ensure safe transportation for children by September.