EUKN - Cyprus - Accessibility and Gateways

Accessibility and Gateways – Cyprus National Report

Introduction

The study focuses on the transport systems of Cyprus and their problems, with emphasis on the inadequacy of public transport services provided.

Description

Transport is vital to both the economic and social well-being of a country. Transport in Cyprus experienced a parallel and related growth over the last 25 years. It constitutes an infrastructural sector covering a wide spectrum of different activities such as road, air and sea transport and services allied to transport, mainly provided by travel agencies and shipping offices.
The study researches the problems and possibilities in each sector of transport.

Background information

Cyprus is located in the eastern Mediterranean and commands a "cross-roads" position, linking the east with the west, Europe with Africa and the Middle East. The Turkish invasion in 1974 had devastating effects on the island's physical infrastructure and socio-economic sectors.
As a current member of the European Union, Cyprus has adopted and enforced all European directives and regulations (through incorporation and transposition into the national legislation) for road, sea and air transport.

EU involvement

The research was carried out within the SEMSON (South Eastern Mediterranean Spatial Observatory Network) project which operates under the European Programme ARCHIMED of the EU initiative INTERREG III Β.

Conclusions

The main conclusions of the study:

Road transport: Cyprus has a very good motorway infrastructure connecting the main urban areas. It is currently upgrading the national and regional roads in mountain areas. The main problem that Cyprus faces is the lack of adequate public transport both in urban and rural areas, with the situation being most critical in urban areas. The public transport system in Cyprus has deteriorated and there is an over-reliance in the private car. There is an immediate need to improve the public transport system and increase public awareness so that other methods of road transport (buses, trams) could be seen as a viable alternative. ]
Water transport: Cyprus has one of the biggest merchant fleets within the EU. Maritime transport is served by a modern national port system. Cyprus ports are already well developed and well equipped but the further upgrading of Limassol port and the proposed joint redevelopment of Larnaka port and marina will further enhance Cyprus’ role as a hub for a number of key trading areas of world significance and a natural transhipment centre for Europe-Far East trade. The upgrading of the two ports will also assist in improving intermodality for passengers and freight coming into Cyprus.
Air transport: The main airports in Cyprus are Larnaka and Paphos, which had 5.0 and 1.8 million passengers respectively in 2005. These airports are currently in the process of being redeveloped to be able to handle the projected volume of passengers. Passenger air-transport is very important for Cyprus as an island state and especially for the tourism sector. Therefore, the expansion and modernisation of the two main airports of Cyprus, currently under way, is an essential step in improving the island’s overall accessibility.

Contact info

Department of Town Planning and Housing, Ministry of the Interior
Constantinos Alkides (Town Planning Officer, Representative of Cyprus in the SEMSON project), tel. +357 22408221

Publication date

01/02/2005

Project finished

01/10/2006

Researcher

Anna Caramondani and Achilleas Kalopedis - A.L.A. Planning Partnership

Links

website of the SEMSON project

The Report 'Accessibility and Gateways' English

Document type

research

Themes

Urban Policy > Transport and infrastructure

Keywords

Air transport, Roads and road transport, Public transport, Water transport