Around 800 buses underwent technical inspection ahead of the start of the new school year, with the Transport Ministry assuring that all vehicles used to transport students will have been checked. At the same time, bus companies are raising the alarm over repeated vandalism by students, reporting incidents involving firecrackers, fire extinguishers and theft of safety equipment.
Committee hears the safety picture
The issue was raised again before parliament's Transport Committee, following the Audit Office's special report. Representatives of the ministry and the Road Transport Department said around 40 buses failed inspection, and made clear that no vehicle would receive approval unless all required documentation was submitted.
The Road Transport Department is checking the fleets that companies declared for the new school year, examining roadworthiness certificates, circulation permits, insurance coverage and driver records. Requirements for school routes are estimated at around 600 buses, with companies declaring more vehicles to maintain reserves. Unannounced inspections at all schools are also planned for September.
Vandalism takes centre stage
Vandalism, however, was the focus of the session. Pambos Kapnos, president of the Cyprus Association of Tourist Bus Owners, spoke of damage running into thousands of euros. He described an incident in which students set off a fire extinguisher, causing the driver to lose consciousness and be taken to hospital, as well as another case in which a firecracker was lit inside a bus.
He also reported that students are removing emergency hammers, which are essential for breaking windows in the event passengers become trapped. Companies have had to purchase hundreds of replacement hammers for those stolen, he said.
Calls for cameras and parental accountability
Loizos Constantinou, president of the Pancyprian Confederation of Secondary Education Parents, stressed that students causing problems should be identified and their parents made to cover the cost of the damage. He also pointed out that legislation allows for the installation of cameras under specific conditions, calling for the measure to be implemented on buses running exclusively school routes.
