The next phase of the Smart Bus Stops project, which involves the placement of smart bus stops and shelters, is about to begin. On Friday, May 26, the submission period for proposals from interested companies ended, marking the beginning of the second phase of the evaluation process. According to Brief, a total of four companies successfully submitted their bids, having met the evaluation criteria during Stage 1 of the competition.

These companies are as follows:

• VETA AEBE, with a bid price of €72,118,947.76.
• G.NEOPHYTOU AND SONS LTD, with a bid price of €59,557,846.79.
• AIRCONTROL LTD, with a bid price of €36,693,605.97.
• TELMEN LTD, with a bid price of €41,667,783.00.

It is important to note that the competition for the “Bus Stop and Shelter Upgrading Project” was announced on January 18, 2023, and conducted in two stages. Initially, eleven companies expressed their interest in participating and underwent evaluation based on predetermined participation terms. Companies that met the requirements were then notified and advanced to Stage 2 of the competition. The contract for the project is expected to be awarded in August, with the installation phase commencing in early 2024. 

The deadline for submitting comprehensive Technical and Financial Proposals for Stage 2 was on Friday, May 26, 2023. The evaluation process of the proposals and the selection of the winning bid is anticipated to conclude by August 2023. As outlined in the competition documents, the large-scale production and placement of the new bus stops and shelters will commence in early 2024. Simultaneously, repairs and reinstallation of the existing infrastructure will begin upon contract signing.

Moreover, the bus stops and shelters currently installed along Makarios Avenue serve as pilot prototypes for the new structures that will be implemented as part of this significant project. These samples were constructed to assess the design and specifications, incorporating any necessary enhancements or modifications to the final plans. Additionally, they serve as visual references for the interested companies involved in executing the project, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the required construction.

The project encompasses various components and has a total budget of €60,000,000.00 + VAT. The cost breakdown is as follows:

i.   5-year implementation: €35,000,000.00 + VAT

ii. 10-year maintenance: €5,000,000.00 + VAT

iii. Right to additional orders from the contracting authority: €10,000,000.00 + VAT

iv. Right of other entities to place orders: €10,000,000.00 + VAT

The scope of the project involves the construction, installation, and repair of bus stops and shelters across Cyprus. Specifically, it includes:

• 350 Smart Bus Stops (pillar design)
• 1350 Small Shelters
• 650 Large Shelters
• 100 Large Shelters suitable for mountainous regions
• Repair of 600 existing large shelters
• 2000 Simplified stops
• Implementation of Photovoltaic systems
• Installation of 500 electronic signs
• Placement of 450 bins
• Provision of 200 bike racks and 20 Bike Stations
• Construction of foundations and sidewalk repairs surrounding the stops

The newly constructed stops will feature integrated wiring and lighting. Moreover, electronic signs can be incorporated to provide real-time bus arrival information. To cater to the needs of visually impaired individuals, the stops will include audio announcements triggered by specific buttons. Furthermore, special attention has been given to ensure easy accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Funding for the project is sourced from the European Regional Development Fund, THALIA, contributing 65%, while the remaining 35% will be covered by the national budget. The initiative aligns with the strategic plans of the Republic of Cyprus, including the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Ministry of Tourism, as well as various municipalities and communities and serves as an integral part of comprehensive plans aimed at promoting sustainable mobility and fostering green development.