A recent Audit Office report revealed that 35% of school buses inspected at public technical centres across Cyprus were deemed unroadworthy. Alarmingly, 19% of the failed buses had previously passed private inspections, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of private vehicle testing centres. District failure rates varied, with the highest in Famagusta at 76%, while Nicosia reported the lowest.

The report highlighted systemic non-compliance in the supervision and maintenance of over 600 school buses serving the island. Additionally, 53% of buses failed to attend mandatory follow-up inspections, and 14% operated with expired certificates. The findings prompted calls from Auditor-General Andreas Papaconstantinou for immediate corrective actions, including stricter monitoring, enforcement of regulations, and sanctions against both private inspection centres and transport contractors.

Recommendations include the removal of unroadworthy buses from service until re-certified, timely reporting of vehicle replacements, and stronger penalties for violations, such as suspension of contracts. The Audit Office emphasized that ensuring the safety of pupil transport is a fundamental responsibility requiring uncompromising enforcement to protect human life and public trust.