A Motion card is mandatory for students starting Monday. Students cannot board the bus without it.

From Monday, September 14, a Motion card will be mandatory for students to use school buses in Cyprus. Children without a valid ticket on their personalized card will not be allowed to board.

The free transition period, which was intended to allow parents to apply for cards before regular transport begins, has ended. A monthly school ticket costs €5, while a ticket for the entire school year costs €30. Some students can use the transport free of charge, but they also require an active entitlement on their Motion card.

Without a Motion card, a student will not be able to board the bus.

During the first week of the new school year, students were able to use school buses free of charge. This measure was in effect until Friday, September 11, to give families time to obtain personalized Motion cards.

Starting Monday, the rules are changing. The Ministry of Transport announced that children without a valid Motion card will not be allowed to board school buses. There are no plans to extend the transition period further.

Parents who haven't yet made arrangements should check the situation before their child leaves on Monday. Otherwise, the student may be left stranded at the bus stop and will need to arrange an alternative way to get to school.

How much does a Motion card cost for a student?

A monthly school bus pass costs €5. A ticket valid for the entire school year costs €30.

The remaining actual transportation costs are covered by the state. The additional fee is €17 for each monthly pass and €190 for a pass covering the entire school year.

The ticket must be recorded on a personalized Motion card assigned to a specific student. To obtain one, you'll need a current school certificate or a student ID valid for the 2026/2027 school year.

The card should not be transferred to another person. It serves not only to record the ticket but also to confirm the student's entitlement to discounted or free travel.

Who can ride the school bus for free?

Students from large families and families with three children are eligible for free transport. The exemption also applies to children from households receiving a guaranteed minimum income and families deemed to be in financial difficulty.

The right to free travel is also granted to certain groups of minors under the care of social welfare services.

Free travel, however, does not mean that students can board the bus without a card. The appropriate authorization must also be recorded on a personalized Motion card and renewed in accordance with applicable rules.

When submitting an application, you must provide documentation confirming your entitlement to a fee waiver. Depending on your situation, this may include a large family card, a document certifying a family with three children, or a certificate issued by the school or social welfare services.

Where to get a Motion card?

Cards are issued at points of sale and service of regional public transport operators. Nicosia and Larnaca are served by Cyprus Public Transport. Limassol, Paphos, and the Famagusta district have separate operators.

Before visiting a service point, it's worth checking its opening hours. Be sure to bring your child's ID, current proof of enrollment, and any documents needed to obtain free travel.

An additional fee may apply for issuing a new personalized card. Parents should also ensure that the purchased ticket has been saved and activated correctly.

It is best to check your card before Monday

Parents should ensure that their child has a Motion card with them before their first journey and that the ticket or free entitlement stored on it is still valid.

Starting September 14, school bus drivers will not allow children to board without valid cards. This means that the lack of a valid card could directly prevent a student from reaching school using organized transportation.

Sources: Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Cyprus, Cyprus Public Transport, OSEA, Cyprus Mail.