Bus passengers in Limassol will face higher fares from 5 November, after operator EMEL announced an increase in ticket prices, citing rising operating costs.
Under the new pricing structure:
- A single ticket will increase from €2 to €2.50, although it will remain €2 when purchased via eWallet.
- A daily ticket will rise from €6 to €7.
- A seven-day pass will increase from €25 to €35.
- A personalised 30-day pass will rise from €45 to €50.
- An anonymous 30-day pass will increase from €45 to €60.
Higher costs behind increase
According to EMEL, public transport contracts allow fares to be reviewed every two years based on inflation and operating costs.
The calculations take into account indicators compiled by the Statistical Service, including fuel prices, maintenance costs, spare parts and other expenses associated with running bus services.
EMEL said the fare adjustment had become necessary due to a significant increase in operating expenses.
The company estimates that fuel costs have risen by around 30% since the previous reference period, while maintenance and spare parts costs have also increased substantially. Personnel costs have also risen, though to a lesser extent.
Uniform pricing across network
EMEL maintains a single fare structure throughout its network, despite significant differences in the profitability of individual routes.
Some routes operate at a loss while others generate stronger returns, but the company applies the same pricing policy across all services.
Under Cyprus' current public transport model, government subsidies are directed towards bus routes rather than directly subsidising passenger tickets.
Passenger numbers continue to rise
The fare increases come despite growing public transport use in Limassol.
According to EMEL, average bus occupancy has reached 64%, while annual passenger numbers have increased by around 10%, rising from approximately 6 million to 6.6 million passengers.
Similar increases in Nicosia
The changes follow fare increases introduced in Nicosia in August.
Several fares in the capital are now higher than those charged in Limassol, with a single cash fare costing €2.70 and a personalised monthly pass reaching €66.90.
While some long-term tickets in Limassol are now more expensive than comparable passes in cities such as Athens and Rome, fares remain below those found in higher-cost public transport networks including Berlin and Vienna.
