Cyprus launches sustainable mobility plans for Limassol and Larnaca

With the goal of establishing greener, more accessible urban areas, Cyprus has officially launched its Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMP) for Limassol and Larnaca. The effort, which is funded by the EU Recovery and Resilience Plan, aims to promote environmentally friendly options like walking and cycling, lessen traffic congestion, and improve public transport.

Government's commitment to sustainability

Alexis Vafeades, Minister of transit, Communications, and Works, highlighted the government's commitment to promoting sustainable cities through promoting the use of public transport and implementing the use of cleaner vehicles. He mentioned that these initiatives will improve transportation infrastructure, lessen traffic, and encourage greener ways of transportation.

“We are investing in strategies that will make our cities more accessible, livable, and resilient", Vafeades said, thanking important partners such as the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Commission.

€100 million investment for greener transport

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Finance, Andreas Zachariades emphasised the €100 million investment made in sustainable transport through Cyprus' Recovery and Resilience Plan. With a budget of €26.5 million, the projects in Limassol and Larnaca include park-and-ride areas, bike pathways, and bus lanes. An additional €5 million will be used for accessibility upgrades.

EIB and European Commission recognize progress

The project, which calls for 62 km of new bus stations and transport corridors, is crucial for lowering carbon emissions and enhancing urban mobility, according to EIB Vice President Kyriacos Kakouris.

Cyprus's quick project implementation was appreciated by Judit Rozsa from the European Commission's DG Reform, who said that these plans are in line with EU objectives to lessen reliance on cars and improve urban sustainability.