Audit office report reveals significant safety failings in Cyprus school bus fleet

A report by the Cyprus Audit Office, dated June 18, 2026, highlights critical safety issues regarding the island's school bus fleet of over 600 vehicles. Inspections conducted at state-run centers (Kemo) revealed that 35% of the buses were unroadworthy, despite 19% of those failing having recently passed private inspection centers (Ikteo). Furthermore, 53% of the fleet failed to attend a mandatory extraordinary inspection required by the Ministry of Transport by November 28, 2025. Among those that did attend, 14% lacked valid certificates from private centers. The failure rates varied by district, ranging from as low as the Nicosia rate to a high of 76% in Famagusta. Auditor General Andreas Papaconstantinou expressed serious concerns over the reliability of private inspections and noted that some buses deemed unfit by state authorities continued to transport students. Contractors are required to maintain these vehicles, and while some buses were repaired after failing initial state checks, the report emphasizes the need for continuous, systematic oversight to ensure student safety.