Nicosia and Limassol mayors explore the possibility of introducing a tram system

The mayors of Nicosia, Charalambos Prountzos, and Limassol, Yiannis Armeftis, have jointly requested assistance from the Ministry of Transport to explore the viability of implementing a tram system in both cities. While the municipal leaders are pushing for a feasibility study, the Ministry of Transport has reportedly expressed initial reservations, suggesting that current bus ridership levels are insufficient to justify the investment. According to the ministry, the European Investment Bank might be reluctant to fund such a project under current conditions.

Mayer Prountzos argues that existing bus systems, which have been in operation for 17 years at a cost exceeding one billion euros, have failed to meet public transit targets, capturing only 4-5% of total journeys. He views the upcoming expiration of Nicosia's current bus contracts in 2030 as a critical window to integrate fixed-track transport into the urban strategy. The goal is to update previous studies and consider broader economic and environmental benefits, such as reducing the national costs associated with vehicle emissions.

Discussions between the mayors and the ministry are ongoing. The proponents intend to push for a comprehensive evaluation that looks beyond simple construction and maintenance costs, aiming to include long-term environmental externalities and the efficacy of modernizing public transport infrastructure beyond dedicated bus lanes.