Cypriot blind trainees report unsafe transportation to School for the Blind

The Cyprus Blind Association has issued a formal complaint regarding the unsafe and inadequate transportation services provided to approximately 25 blind trainees traveling weekly from the Larnaca and Famagusta districts to the School for the Blind in Nicosia. The organization reports that the 20-seat minibus used for these two-hour journeys is consistently unreliable, putting the physical safety of the passengers at significant risk.

Key issues cited by the trainees over the past two years include mechanical failures, faulty door mechanisms, windows that open unexpectedly during transit, and severely worn seats. A recent incident highlighted the gravity of the situation when the vehicle broke down, forcing visually impaired passengers to exit onto a busy road during peak traffic hours. The trainees describe arriving at the school exhausted and distressed due to these recurring conditions.

The service is commissioned by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth. The organization stresses that despite persistent complaints spanning over two years, authorities have yet to resolve the fundamental problems of vehicle suitability and passenger accessibility. The association is calling for immediate intervention to ensure safe transit for all individuals involved in the training programs.