The prospects of an ambitious project—the potential implementation of a tram system—were the focus of a symposium organized by the Municipality of Limassol on Tuesday. The event featured experts from Marseille and was attended by the French Ambassador to Cyprus, Clelia Chevrier Kolacko.

Limassol Mayor Yiannis Armeftis clarified that the event was not an announcement of a tram project but an exploration of alternative public transportation solutions. In their addresses, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeadis and Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou emphasized that the idea of a tram requires specialized and well-documented studies.

Acknowledging the need for decisive action, Mayor Armeftis stated, “To achieve positive change, we need initiatives and projects.” He explained that the inspiration for this event stemmed from a visit last October to Limassol’s twin city, Marseille.

“Limassol is a rapidly growing city facing significant urban mobility challenges,” he added, highlighting the municipality’s ongoing search for solutions to improve public transport and promote sustainable mobility to enhance residents’ quality of life.

For this reason, he continued, experts with in-depth knowledge of the technical and economic aspects of such projects were invited to provide insights. “Through their expertise and experience, we aim to assess whether a tram system could be a viable alternative for Limassol.”

At the same time, he stressed, “We are not here today to announce the establishment of a tram. We fully understand how ambitious such a project is and what it entails.” Instead, he said, the goal is “to listen, learn, and reflect, keeping in mind that even smaller cities than Limassol have successfully implemented tram systems.”

In his address, the President of the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK), Constantinos Konstantis, emphasized the need for a holistic approach to mobility issues that impact citizens. “We must turn the page and collectively look forward, aiming to serve our country and contribute meaningfully,” he stated.

Konstantis acknowledged that ETEK bears significant responsibility for failing to convince policymakers and other stakeholders to make decisions in favor of sustainable mobility. He lamented that cities currently have incomplete transport networks and that many decisions are postponed due to opposition and “the personal interests of some.”

“We need to focus on the common good and finally adopt policies that integrate environmental awareness, leading to a greener, more resilient, sustainable, and accessible future,” he added.

The symposium included a presentation on Limassol’s traffic issues and the municipality’s vision for a modern tram system along the coastal front. Experts from Marseille and the International Federation of Construction, Urban Planning, and Environment Professionals (Cobaty) presented key aspects of tram implementation, the evolution and expansion of Marseille’s transportation network, and other techno-economic considerations.