Tram in Limassol and Nicosia? Mayors Want to Revive the Idea

The mayors of Limassol and Nicosia want to re-examine the possibility of introducing trams in both cities. They have asked the Ministry of Transport for cooperation, but the Ministry has so far remained skeptical. No decision has been made on construction, nor have the routes or work commencement date been determined.

Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos confirmed that the topic was discussed during a recent meeting. His city wants to update the analysis prepared in the past. Local government officials argue that when evaluating the project, it's important to consider not only the cost of track construction and maintenance, but also the costs associated with road traffic.

Tram in Limassol and Nicosia back in talks

This isn't the first time the idea has surfaced. Limassol has previously considered a tram, including along the coast. Nicosia also has a previous study on rail transport.

What's new is the joint action by the mayors of both cities. Prountzos confirmed that the topic was raised after a conversation with the mayor of Limassol. However, he emphasized that he was speaking on behalf of his own local government.

No proposed routes, stop locations, or cost estimates have yet been presented. An updated analysis will reveal whether the project is justified and what conditions would need to be met.

Why does the ministry have doubts?

According to the mayor of Nicosia, representatives of the Ministry of Transport believe that with the current level of bus use, it would be difficult to justify the construction of a tram and obtain financing from the European Investment Bank.

Prountzos disagrees with this assessment. He points out that the bus system, developed over some 17 years, has failed to attract the expected number of passengers. He believes it's worth exploring whether a permanent tram line would encourage more residents to forgo daily car travel.

The mayor also proposes including the cost of road traffic emissions in the analysis. Buses would continue to operate and supplement a potential tram network.

What does a tram have to do with a bus contract?

In Nicosia, the current bus service contract is due to end in 2030Discussions have already begun on the requirements for the next contract. The mayor believes this is the right time to examine how buses and trams could work together in the future.

However, the Ministry emphasizes the costs of construction, subsequent operation, and maintenance of the tracks. Without an up-to-date analysis, it is unclear how many passengers would use the new mode of transport and whether the project would be profitable.

The next step may be to update previous studies and continue discussions with the government. A tram in Limassol or Nicosia is not currently an approved investment.

Source: Philenews