The Local Authority and the Limassol Passengers Transport Company (EMEL) are in the process of launching small electric buses operated by EMEL. These buses will run circular routes within the Polemidia Municipality to serve children commuting to and from tutoring centers and afternoon schools.
The Mayor of Polemidia, Mr. Andros Theodorou, stated to “Entrepreneurial Limassol” that the project is at an advanced stage. Information has already been collected from high school students in the municipality regarding the extracurricular activities they attend.
The Development and Communication Director of EMEL, Mr. Petros Theocharides, noted that the plans for circular routes in the Polemidia Municipality are progressing. EMEL has prepared route proposals, determining the stops and streets to be covered. It has also conducted a study on the installation of bus shelters at bus stops where needed. The proposed routes have been reviewed both on paper and digitally, with the next step being their finalization in collaboration with the Local Authority.
According to Mr. Theocharides, the buses have already been secured, and the charging process has been scheduled. The company has gained relevant experience from deploying electric buses in the Limassol city center and Ypsonas. He expressed hope that all procedures will be completed by the end of the year, allowing the routes to commence in 2025.
Circular Routes in Other Municipalities
The circular routes previously discussed between the Germasogia Municipality and EMEL (prior to the implementation of the Local Government reform) are ongoing. The Mayor of Amathunta, Mr. Kyriakos Xydias, mentioned that the goal is to connect roads with tutoring centers, schools, and gyms in the municipal district of Agios Athanasios to those in Germasogeia.
Mr. Petros Theocharides linked the circular routes in the Amathunta Municipality (considering the recent changes) with the transfer station in Agios Tychonas. He added that with the operation of the park and ride system, these routes would be combined with regular Limassol city bus routes and intercity bus routes. Passengers will be able to board city or connecting electric (circular) buses with frequent schedules to reach central locations. As reported, the Transfer Station at the large parking area north of the Four Seasons Hotel could operate initially with temporary facilities. According to Mr. Theocharides, no specific timeline has been set for this case, but there is ongoing communication with the Public Works Department, which is responsible for the infrastructure.
The pilot circular routes in the Kourion Municipality have completed a year of operation, and according to Mr. Theocharides, they are steadily gaining more interest. He clarified that passenger numbers are not yet very high, as time is needed to establish the desired "passenger market". However, the trend is upward, and the most positive aspect is that the targeted audience is responding, particularly students in the afternoon, as envisioned in the initial plan. The aim is to ease the burden on parents and reduce car usage for transporting children multiple times to tutoring centers, recreational venues, and athletic facilities.
The Mayor of Kourion, Mr. Pantelis Georgiou, has proposed to EMEL the implementation of new circular routes connecting industrial areas and cultural sites in the municipality. Mr. Theocharides commented that these proposals are logical, technically sound, and well-researched. He emphasized that EMEL is carefully reviewing them and that their implementation will proceed gradually.
