Months go by without a solution, resulting in significant damage to the market and traffic. The issue is the shortage of bus and truck drivers. Currently, the Ministry of Transport is searching for 2,000 drivers, of which 200 to 300 are needed for buses.

Last month's meeting did not yield the desired results, leading officials to search for drivers. According to Transport Minister Alexis Vafeiadis, the main problem is the refusal of professional drivers to operate buses and trucks. Mr. Vafeiadis stated that he is in contact with various organized groups, such as the CCCI and OEB, to find ways to fill the gaps. As we have been informed, the two employer organizations do not accept the recruitment of foreign drivers and want to exhaust the possibilities of employing Cypriots.

The problem also emerged last July when Cypriot drivers showed no interest, leading to the hiring of Greek drivers with clean criminal records. However, we learned that only five applications were made by Greek drivers.

It should be noted that the incentive for drivers must be considered the salary, as bus drivers earn 1,500 euros, and with overtime, it doubles. Similar or even better conditions apply for truck drivers.

The lack of drivers for buses is currently delaying or canceling the Ministry's plans to address traffic issues. The decision to increase bus routes through the park & ride system in Nicosia and other cities cannot be implemented due to the shortage of drivers.

This unfortunate situation is affecting the economy, as the transportation of goods cannot be completed on time.