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- Ελληνικά
The coordinated upgrade of public transport infrastructure, creating a comfortable, safe and accessible environment for passengers waiting for the bus, which apart from functional upgrades will also provide high aesthetics, was praised by the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Mr. Alexis Vafeades at a press conference held today at the premises of AirControl Ltd, on the occasion of the start of the production and installation of upgraded bus stops and shelters nationwide.
The Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Mr. Alexis Vafeades stressed the importance of the project for improving public transport infrastructure and increasing the use of buses, which in turn will mitigate traffic problems, improve road safety and provide support for vulnerable groups of the population, as well as rural areas.
In his welcome address, the Director of AirControl Ltd and representative of the contractor consortium A.S. AIRCONTROL LTD & AMCO A.B.E.E. Mr. Michael Louka confirmed that the company is making every effort for the successful completion of the project within the stipulated time frame.
This was followed by a presentation on the project by the Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department and Project Coordinator Mr. Aristotelis Savvas and the representative of the contractor consortium Mr. Nicolas Constantinou.
During the presentation, the characteristics of the new infrastructure were presented, which take into account local conditions and the available space on the road network, achieving uniformity, accessibility for use by people with disabilities, as well as safety and protection from weather conditions.
The new infrastructure makes use of renewable energy sources, is expandable to meet future needs of use, has lighting and electronic signs with audio announcement of the arrival of the bus. They also feature high quality material specifications, ensuring their durability over time.
The project is being implemented by the consortium A.S. AIRCONTROL LTD & AMCO A.B.E.E. J.V., under a 15-year contract worth a total of €74 million, which includes a 5-year basic implementation, during which all stops will be upgraded nationwide, 10-year maintenance and long-term material warranties, as well as extension provisions for additional orders.
At this stage, the standard samples of the stops and shelters are being finalized, which were presented to the attendees. Preparations are being made for the start of mass production in early July 2024. Repair work on existing canopies has already started, will be intensified and will continue in parallel with the installation of the new stops/canopies.
According to the planned schedule, approximately 300 new stops and canopies will be installed in 2024, while another 100 canopies will be repaired. Work on the installation of new bus stops and shelters will be carried out in parallel in all cities, with priority given to stops located on the main axes, as well as to stops with high ridership and transfer points.
It should be noted that the Ministry maintains in force a scheme to subsidise bus shelters to local authorities to cover needs until they are included for upgrading nationwide.
This project has a total budget of €74 million and is being implemented under the Cohesion Policy programme "THALIA 2021-2027" co-financed by the European Union.
(Sap/EAθ/EP)
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