Cyprus Public Transport faces potential penalties over Pame Express suspension

Cyprus Public Transport (CPT) announced the suspension of the Pame Express bus service in Nicosia, effective March 23, 2026, citing a severe shortage of drivers. Financial Director Tryfonas Hatzichristoforou stated that the company currently employs only seven drivers for the service and that maintaining Pame Express forced the cancellation of other contractually mandated routes. Hatzichristoforou noted that systemic labor market challenges, including age restrictions and language requirements, hinder recruitment. However, Andreas Nikiforou, Head of Public Passenger Transport at the Ministry of Transport, declared the decision a unilateral violation of the service contract. The Ministry has formally demanded that the company withdraw its announcement and honor its contractual obligations, warning of significant financial penalties. The Pame Express route served over 100,000 passengers in 2025 and was recently expanded to reach the Parliament and local courts. The Ministry emphasized that the responsibility to secure staff lies exclusively with the contractor and that it will take all necessary measures to ensure service continuity.