The Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Mr. Yiannis Karousos attended a presentation of the 10-year plan of the Famagusta District Transport Organisation (ATEA) today, organized on the occasion of the inclusion of new buses in the ATEA fleet.
The Minister of Transport, Communications and Works said in his speech that over the last 10 years, OSEA has established itself in the local community of the free Famagusta Province as a modern provider of public passenger transport services, serving with consistency and professionalism the travelling public of the region, both residents and visitors. It is noteworthy that the OSEA has managed to gain the trust of the youth both among the locals and our young citizens of other provinces, especially in the night routes, increasing the movement of young people by bus, thus creating not only a European culture of movement but also protecting our young people from road collisions.
As Mr. Karousosos noted, the experience gained by OSEA, as well as the professionalism of the services provided, resulted in the signing, in April 2021, of the new Concession Contract worth €59.68 million plus VAT, for the execution of 3.6 km in the free province of Famagusta, with the implementation of the Contract on 1 November 2021 and an execution period of 10 years.
"I have no doubt that for the next 10 years, OSEA will continue its work with the same dedication, ensuring that all its services are continuously upgraded, responding to the needs of its passengers in a technologically inflexible society" noted the Minister of Transport where he informed those present that to date the first indications of the new contract with the company have positively surprised the Ministry, because they comply and follow all the provisions of the new contract within the schedules.
As Mr. Karousos noted, the Agency is already in the process of renewing its fleet with new, modern buses, in which a wifi network is offered, installed equipment for the use of usb and precise means of passenger information where audio as well as visual information will be provided in different languages. While he added the first 31 buses have been received and are accessible to people with disabilities, are low emission and meet all the necessary safety requirements for passengers and employees. While the Minister said that 21 more buses are expected to be received by the end of the year, completing the complete renewal of the OSEA fleet.
The Minister of Transport, Communications and Works referred to another key improvement sought with the new Concession Contract, which is the increase in the number of kilometres, which will result in a 20% increase in both the number and frequency of services compared to previous years. The new routes are expected to optimize the routes within the free Famagusta Province, the communities of Ormideia, Xylofagos and Xylotympos and the routes to and from the city of Larnaca, the Minister noted.
In addition, Mr. Karousos referred to the integration of digital technologies in the services of OSEA in order to provide the passenger public with accurate information in a timely manner. The OSEA is investing in transfer stations and introducing electronic screens in smart bus stops while at the same time the Agency is upgrading digitally with the creation of a new website and a smart mobile application, the Transport Minister recalled.
In conclusion, the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works referred to the objective of the Ministry of Transport, which is to upgrade public transport and increase the number of passengers using it, as well as to promote sustainable mobility and cultivate a culture of using the bus as a more environmentally friendly means of transport.
Finally, Mr. Karousos expressed his thanks due to the fact that he will have the Famagusta District Public Transport Organisation as his companion for the achievement of the above mentioned objectives, while he did not fail to welcome the actions and activities of the OSEA, which contribute to the efforts of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works to establish transport as safer, more efficient and sustainable, in order to serve citizens and social and economic operators.
The Director General of the Ministry, Mr. Stavros A. Michael, had also made a brief welcome address and mentioned that public transport is a public good, likening it to electricity, telephone and water. "We have a responsibility as a public service" the Director General noted to offer public transport services so that they can be used by workers, pensioners, patients and children. What the State is doing, Michael reported, was and is partnering with private companies to provide seamless Public Transportation Services.
In conclusion, the Director General of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works thanked OSEA and other companies in other provinces, despite all the difficulties they had to face, they have now succeeded, and mentioned that Public Transport is now entering its "new century" where citizens can trust Public Transport as the future of transportation for all will be the bus.
(BG)
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