SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY TOURIST ACTION PLAN FOR LIMASSOL - Mavrovounioti Nicole, Parisis Thomas, Antoniades Panos Stratagem Ltd |www.stratagem.com.cy ...
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SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY
TOURIST ACTION PLAN
FOR LIMASSOL
Mavrovounioti Nicole, Parisis Thomas, Antoniades Panos
Stratagem Ltd |www.stratagem.com.cy |info@stratagem.com.cy
June, 2020
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1
1.1. The need for Sustainable Tourism Strategy ................................................................... 1
1.2. Purpose of the Study ....................................................................................................... 1
1.3. Location and Characteristics of Limassol ........................................................................ 2
2. Study Area of the Sustainable Mobility Tourist Action Plan ................................................. 3
2.1. Areas of Tourism Development ...................................................................................... 5
3. Traffic Policy ............................................................................................................................ 6
3.1. Modal Demand and Modal Split ..................................................................................... 8
4. Public Transport .................................................................................................................... 10
4.1. EMEL Routes in the Limassol District ............................................................................ 10
4.1.1. Tickets of EMEL ....................................................................................................... 11
4.2. Routes of Intercity Buses of Cyprus from / to Limassol District .................................. 16
4.1.2. Tickets of Intercity Buses of Cyprus ........................................................................... 17
4.2. Bus Routes regarding the Airports of Cyprus ............................................................... 24
4.3. Improvement of PT routes, Timetables, Ticket Procedure and Bike Transportation on
Buses to Make the Service More Attractive ............................................................................ 26
4.4. Public Transport Traveler Information System ............................................................ 27
i
4.5. Electric Car Sharing Connecting Limassol Town with Airports and Ports.................... 28
5. Urban Centre ......................................................................................................................... 29
5.1. Problems of the Urban Centre .......................................................................................... 30
5.2. Urban Freight Logistic Action Plan of Limassol City Centre (SULP) ............................. 30
5.2.1. Study Area .................................................................................................................. 31
5.2.2. Records of Air Quality and Noise Emissions ............................................................. 33
6. Parking ................................................................................................................................... 34
6.1. Address Parking Problems................................................................................................ 35
6.2. Parking Areas in Limassol City Centre........................................................................... 35
6.3. Smart Parking Guidance System ................................................................................... 38
6.4. Mobility Application and Travel Planner for Smart Phones to Provide Real Time
Information................................................................................................................................... 39
7. Network of Sidewalks, Sidewalks, Bikes and Accessibility for People with Disabilities .... 41
7.1. Pedestrian and Cyclist Traffic Policy Measures ................................................................... 41
7.2. Rent Bicycles in Limassol – NextBike CY ........................................................................... 42
7.3. Increase Cycling and Walking in Combination with Special Interest Tourist Activities as
an Integrated Product .................................................................................................................. 44
7.4. Expansion of Bike Sharing System include New Bikes and E-bikes for Rent .................. 46
7.5. Accessibility for Disabled and Visually Hearing Impaired ............................................... 47
ii
8. Promotion Activities for the Sustainable Mobility .............................................................. 48
8.1. European Mobility Week ...................................................................................................... 48
8.2 Attractive and Accessible Public Spaces to Promote Intermodal Leisure Trips .................. 49
8.3. Promote the Uptake of Electric Vehicles, Campaign on E-mobility .................................... 50
8.4. Awareness on the use of sustainable mobility modes for leisure trips .............................. 51
9. Evaluation, Monitoring and Implementation ...................................................................... 52
10. Tourism as a Driver of Sustainable Development ............................................................ 59
iii
Figures
1: Map of Limassol………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………2
2: Limassol City Centre………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………...4
3: Map of the Study Area for the Sustainable Mobility Tourist Action Plan………………………………………….4
4: Limassol Marina (a) and the Sculpture Park (b)……………………………………………………………………………….5
5: Functional Structure of the Limassol City Centre…………………………………………………………………..…………7
6: Division of the Metropolitan Urban Area of Limassol in Traffic Cells……………………..………………………..8
7: Modal Split in Limassol………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..….9
8: EMEL Buses……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………11
9: Prices of EMEL’s Tickets…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………11
10: Timeline and Stops of EMEL Buses within Limassol City Centre……………………………………………………14
11: Intercity Buses of Cyprus……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..16
12: Prices of Intercity Bus’s Tickets……………………………………………………………………………………………………17
13: Routes of Intercity Buses of Limassol to / from Paphos……………………………………………………………….18
14: Routes of Intercity Buses of Nicosia to / from Limassol……………………………………………………………….19
15: Routes of Intercity Buses of Larnaca to / from Limassol…………………………………………….…………………20
16: Routes of Intercity Buses of Nicosia to / from Paphos………………………………………………….………………21
7: Routes of Intercity Buses of Larnaca to / from Nicosia…………………………………………………………………..22
18: Routes of Intercity Buses of Larnaca to / from Paphos…………………………………………………………………23
19: Airports of Larnaca (a) and Paphos (b)…………………………………………………………………………………………24
20: Timetables of Limassol to / from Larnaca Airport (a) and Paphos Airport (b)……………………………….25
21: Installation of Bike Racks on Buses………………………………………………………………………………………………26
22: Public Transport Information Systems…………………………………………………………………………………………27
23: EV-Charging Stations…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..28
24: Urban City Centre of Limassol – Anexartisia street (a), St. Andrew street (b) and
Gladstonos/Navarinou streets (c)……………………………………………………………………………………………………..29
25: Map of the Study Area…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………31
26: The distribution of Buildings located in the Study Area………………………………………………………….……32
iv
27: Parking Areas in Limassol City Centre………………………………………………………………………………………….36
28: Short Term Parking Areas in Limassol City Centre………………………………………………………………..………37
29: Areas of Smart Guidance System in Limassol City Centre………………………………………………………….…38
30: Mobility Application for Limassol City Centre………………………………………………………………………………40
31: NextBike CY Bicycle Rental Systems in Limassol……………………………………………………………..……………42
32: Locations of NextBike CY Bicycle Rental System in Limassol…………………………………………………………43
33: Location of Bike Parking Facilities and Map Panels (a), Walking and Hiking Paths (b), Hiking
Activities (c) and Promotional Materials (d)………………………………………………………………………………………45
34: Bike Sharing Station in Limassol City entre……………………………………………………………………….…………46
35: Installation Ramp and Wheelchairs for People with Disabilities…………………………………………………..47
36: Traffic Signal System……………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………..47
37: Sustainable Mobility Week in Limassol – September 2018…………………………………………………………..48
38: Map of Ecological Route in Limassol City Centre………………………………………………………………………….49
39: Events for the promotion of Electro-mobility in Limassol…………………………………………………………….50
40: National Seminars – July 2017 and July 2018……………………………………………………………………………….51
41: Organisation of Campaigns for the Promotion of Sustainable Modes of Transportation………………51
42: Most Frequent use of Transportation in 2019………………………………………………………………………………54
43: Modes of Transportation from the Airport to Limassol in 2018 (a) and 2019 (b)………………………….55
44: Attractions Visited by Tourists and Mode of Transportation in 2018 (a) and 2019 (b)………………….56
45: Knowledge of Bus in Rural Areas in 2018 (a) and in 2019 (b)……………………………………………………….57
46: Usage of Bus in Rural Areas in 2018 (a) and in 2019 (b)……………………………………………………………….58
Tables:
1: Urban Routes of EMEL Buses within Limassol District……………………………………………………………………12
2: Rural Routes of EMEL Buses within Limassol District……………………………………………………………………..15
3: Measurement Results of the Air Quality at the Main Roads of the Study Area ………………………………33
4: Measurement Results of the Noise Emissions at the Main Roads of the Study Area………………………33
v
1. Introduction
Tourism is one of the largest and fastest growing economic sectors worldwide and plays a
considerable role in delivering sustainable development in many countries. Moreover, it should
be well managed in order to benefit local communities and the natural and cultural environments
upon which it depends.
Sustainable Mobility is now a priority of various policies and according to the European
Commission it refers to the satisfaction of high levels of mobility with the lowest possible energy
and environmental costs, aiming to meet the demand for business and human mobility.
With the implementation of the Sustainable Mobility Tourist Action Plan in Limassol, sustainable
transport will be increased resulting in less traffic conjunction, fewer accidents and cleaner air
quality in the city centre. Limassol will be a city that will attract even more visitors and promote
a new lifestyle through its viability.
1.1. The need for Sustainable Tourism Strategy
Tourism presents a range of challenges and opportunities for Limassol city centre which is a well-
established destination for visitors. Tourism is fundamental to the area’s economy, however,
more can be done to strengthen the viability of tourism in the area and its ability to deliver year
round benefits to the economy and society. In addition, many people agree that it is the quality
of the landscape that underlies the reason for most visits, yet tourism has the potential to
damage the very natural assets on which this industry depends.
The vision for Limassol is to create a more sustainable, safer and greener city where both tourists
and citizens can enjoy during their visit or stay. At present, our city suffers from congestion, poor
air quality and noise pollution, road accidents and minimal use of viable transport such as public
transport, electric vehicles, bikes and walking.
1.2. Purpose of the Study
The purpose of the study is to enhance common understanding and commitment about
Sustainable Tourism and to demonstrate how it is a vehicle to foster economic and social growth,
through the achievement of development imperatives, while minimizing negative social, cultural
and environmental impacts. More specifically, the aim of the Sustainable Mobility Tourist Action
Plan for Limassol is to meet the mobility needs of tourism and citizens for a better quality of life.
A new design philosophy will be able to cope with the challenges and problems of the transport-
related urban areas in a more sustainable and integrated way.
1
This Plan will focus on the needs of tourists for a sustainable and better quality of life in Limassol.
This action will evolve this area into a more attractive destination for tourists. Tourists will enjoy
their holidays and use sustainable modes of transport in an environment with less noise, less
carbon dioxide emissions, free space for walking or cycling, less congestion and a healthier and
safer environment.
1.3. Location and Characteristics of Limassol
Limassol is located on the southern coast of Cyprus, extends to the west in the Paphos area and
borders the Nicosia district to the north and to the east with the Larnaca district. It has an area
of 34,87 km2 and is now the second largest city on the island after Nicosia, representing an urban
population of approximately 182,500 inhabitants. The central location of Limassol offers easy
access to all the cities as well as the Troodos mountains, as you can easily reach by car in 35 – 40
minutes. Additionally, it is conveniently located just 40 – 45 minutes away from the airports of
Larnaca and Paphos.
Figure 1: Map of Limassol
2
The historic center of Limassol is located around the Medieval Castle of Limassol and the Old
Port. The Castle is the oldest building of Limassol that dates back to the Byzantine period and
together with the Old Port are the core of the modern city that has developed over the past 100
years. Today, the city spreads along the Mediterranean coast and extends much further from the
Castle and the Port, with its suburbs extending along the coast of Amathus. To the west of the
city is the Akrotiri area.
2. Study Area of the Sustainable Mobility Tourist Action Plan
The city of Limassol has developed as an important center of commerce and tourism when
Famagusta, one of the most important tourist towns in Cyprus, was occupied by Turkish in 1974.
The urban structure of Limassol starts from the area of the Castle, the Port and the immediate
surroundings, extending the city east along the beach and into the immediate hinterland to
Anexartisia street. The sea-side road linking the center with the suburbs was the main axis of the
city's expansion into the hinterland. The areas between the radial structures developed with a
fairly long delay, while their parts remain stationary until today. The tourist expansion of the city
has intensified in recent years following the events of 1974.
The center of Limassol is about 1,54 km2. It is the central business district of the city and therefore
is very busy during the day. The traffic is high, especially during peak hours. Within the center of
Limassol there are existing boulevards and cycle paths running along the coast in the tourist area.
The central area of Limassol is the geographical area between Makariou street and the sea and
is divided into two sections: The section between Makariou street and Gladstonos / Navarinou
streets, and the section between the above streets and the sea.
As a study area, the southern part of the city was selected which is between the Old Port and the
St. Raphael Marina – a geographical and functional core of Limassol, where most of the services,
activities and tourism are concentrated and presents the most important problems that need
direct treatment.
3
Figure 2: Limassol City Centre
Figure 3: Map of the Study Area for the Sustainable Mobility Tourist Action Plan
42.1. Areas of Tourism Development
The tourism sector is one of the most important economic activities that has developed
particularly over the last twenty-five years. The tourist development areas include the coastal
tourist zones, the central area of the settlement of Germasogeia, as well as the center of
Limassol.
Tourists regularly visit the central area of Limassol throughout the year. The areas of interest
include Marina, the Old Port, the Medieval Castle, the traditional neighborhoods and shopping
districts of Anexartisia and St. Andrew streets, remarkable buildings and large open spaces such
as the Zoo and the Sculpture Park.
Figure 4: Limassol Marina (a) and the Sculpture Park (b)
(a) (b)
53. Traffic Policy
Improving the traffic conditions of the population and goods in the region is an essential
parameter, which in combination with other parameters determines the quality of life of the
urban population. The aim of traffic policy is to reduce inequality between urban areas that
benefit from access conditions and those who are significantly disadvantaged due to the specific
features / problems of their urban conditions.
The traffic policy aims in improving the conditions and increasing the possibilities and choices of
traffic with all available means of movement for the whole population regardless of income group
or age. The allocation of land uses is rationally linked to the capabilities of the transport system
in order to maximize the utility of public resource investment and at the same time to avoid
overloading the traffic network. These are in line with the European philosophy of achieving
sustainable urban mobility, based on the principles of efficiency, safety, environmental
sustainability, social equity and anthropocentrism.
The traffic policy includes a strategic level the following objectives:
• Decrease the use of a private vehicle particularly within the central areas and promoting
alternative means of transport (public transport, bicycle and walking)
• Redefining the operational hierarchy / categorization of the urban road network and
introducing a more explicit and clearer urban hierarchy
• Partial increase in minimum requirements for number of parking spaces for certain
categories of uses and revision of the geometric modeling of parking spaces
• Revision of the policy on which Priority Roads are defined as Business Axes to avoid
creating conditions for downgrading their functionality and end-use
• Upgrade the importance and role of the main secondary road network to promote or
accelerate its completion / upgrading
• Add a relevant paragraph for the submission of a Traffic Impact Study for certain types
and cases of deployment, after consultation with the Director of the Department of Public
Works
6Figure 5: Functional Structure of the Limassol City Centre
73.1. Modal Demand and Modal Split
In order to reveal the main origin and destination areas of the trips in the several transport
modes, the metropolitan area of Limassol was divided into twelve traffic cells, three internal ones
that correspond to three belts around the centre and that were subdivided in several subsectors,
and nine external ones. According to this division, the results of interviews to transport users
concerning the origins and destinations of their displacements as well as the results of vehicle
counting were registered.
Figure 6: Division of the Metropolitan Urban Area of Limassol in Traffic Cells
The results showed that there are more than 270,000 daily journeys in Limassol, which
correspond to 1,7% per inhabitant per day, while daily waste of €600,000 is spent on fuel. Most
journeys are carried out with a private car corresponding to 92%, which is very high compared to
other similar cities in the European Union, while the number of pedestrians is almost 6%, cyclists
1% while journeys made by public transport vehicles is only 1,5% - a very low percentage,
although it already includes students as school transport users.
8Figure 7: Modal Split in Limassol
6% 1%
1%
Walk
Bike
PT
Car
92%
94. Public Transport
Investing in public transport creates a benefit for the country and for its citizens. The
development of an excellent transport network creates long-term benefits, contributes to more
functional cities within a healthy environment, easy to use, comfortable, fast and economical to
meet the real transport needs of the citizen. The use of public transport also restricts the use of
the private vehicle, thus helping to reduce traffic congestion, pollution and save resources. The
public transport system in the city of Limassol consists of the urban and intercity bus service.
There are two bus companies in Limassol that are the Limassol Passenger Transport Company
(EMEL) and the Cyprus Intercity Bus Company. EMEL was established as a result of the
government decision and by extension, of the law passed in July 2009 to implement the program
for the upgrading of the Public Transport Facilities through the establishment of the provincial
passenger transport company Limassol, registering its first itineraries on 5th of July 2010. The
Intercity Bus Company was founded in 2010 with the aim of connecting all the not occupied cities
of the island on regular services and timetables. Through the two bus companies, tourists who
visit Cyprus use the public transport, while the pricing policy of the companies is shaped in a way
that supports young people, students and retired people.
4.1. EMEL Routes in the Limassol District
EMEL covers the urban and outlying areas of Limassol as well as the routes that focus on the
center of Limassol since it is the busiest area of the city. EMEL offers many routes where both
tourists and residents can use within Limassol to reach their destination. The coastal area of
Limassol which starts from the central area of Limassol and reaches the hotel St. Raphael, covers
a distance of about 0,88 km2. The majority of the city's hotels are located close to the coast where
there are bus stops that have easy access for both tourists and locals.
On the main coastal road there is a bus No. 30. This service starts from the Le Meridien Hotel,
which is located near the archaeological site of Amathus, serves the New Port and ends at My
Mall Shopping Centre on the west side of Limassol. Tourists can use this service to visit local shops
as well as the famous restaurants and cafe-bars in the old town of Limassol.
The bus timetable of the center of Limassol is continuous throughout the day with extensive trips
until late at night and it should be noted that there are routes on Sundays, offering daily routes
to tourists and residents of Limassol.
Also, when tourists move to rural areas or to other attractions, such as the Curium archaeological
site, the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylati and the Medieval Castle of Colossus, they should use EMEL's
10buses connecting the smaller villages with Limassol and are located in the central bus station near
the Old Hospital.
Figure 8: EMEL Buses
4.1.1. Tickets of EMEL
EMEL offers various types of tickets, such as the One Way Journey, Daily, Weekly, Monthly,
Annual, Night and Student cards. There is also a reduced tickets costs for students, while the
transfer is free for children under the age of 6 and for Cypriot soldiers.
Figure 9: Prices of EMEL’s Tickets
11Table 1: Urban Routes of EMEL Buses within Limassol District
Number of
Urban Routes of EMEL Buses
the Bus
03 AGIOS ATHANASIOS – MESA GITONIA – GLADSTONOS – AGIOS ATHANASIOS
04 ROAD & TRAFFIC AUTHORITY – LEONTIOU EMEL STATION – OLD MARKET – TEPAK
05 GENERAL HOSPITAL – AGIOS IOANNIS – LEONTIOU EMEL STATION – OLD MARKET – TEPAK
07 MY MALL – IPSONAS INDUSTRIAL AREA– LEONTIOU EMEL STATION – OLD MARKET – TEPAK
09 PALODIA – AGIA FILA – LEONTIOU EMEL STATION – AGIA FILA
10 GERMASOGIA – AGIOS ATHANASIOS – MESA GITONIA – GENERAL HOSPITAL
AGIOS ATHANASIOS HOUSING FINANCE AGENCE – AGIOS NIKOLAS ROUNDABOUT –
11
ENAERIOS – AGIOS ATHANASIOS INDUSTRIAL AREA– LEONTIOU EMEL STATION
12 MOUTAGIAKA – LEONTIOU EMEL STATION – MOUTAGIAKA
13 GERMASOGIA – LEONTIOU EMEL STATION – GERMASOGIA
14 ESTIAS (AGIOS ATHANASIOS) – LEONTIOU EMEL STATION – OLD MARKET – TEPAK
15 GENERAL HOSPITAL – MAKARIOU– LEONTIOU EMEL STATION – GENERAL HOSPITAL
16 AGIOS ERMOGENIS – EPISKOPI – LEONTIOU EMEL STATION– EPISKOPI – AGIOS ERMOGENIS
17 KOLOSSI (CASTLE) – LEONTIOU EMEL STATION– KOLOSSI (CASTLE)
18 AGIOS ERMOGENIS – IPSONAS – AGIOS SILAS – GENERAL HOSPITAL – MY MALL
19 ELLADOS (TRACHONI) – LEONTIOU EMEL STATION– ELLADOS (TRACHONI)
1219A AKROTIRI – TRACHONI – LEONTIOU EMEL STATION – AKROTIRI
20 TAKI CHRISTODOULOU – MY MALL – AGIOS NIKOLAOS FIRE BRIGATE
21 MY MALL – MAKARIOU AVENUE – KOLONAKIOU – MY MALL
25 AGIOS TICHONAS – LEONTIOU EMEL STATION – AGIOS TICHONAS
30 SUMMER: MY MALL – PARKLANE HOTEL – MY MALL
30 WINTER: MY MALL – PARKLANE HOTEL – MY MALL
30A PARKLANE HOTEL – ANEXARTISIAS – MY MALL
13Figure 10: Timeline and Stops of EMEL Buses within Limassol City Centre
14Table 2: Rural Routes of EMEL Buses within Limassol District
Number of
Rural Routes of EMEL Buses
the Bus
40 OMODOS – PAHNA – AGIOS AMVROSIOS – KANTOU – LEMESOS
50 AGROS – AGIOS IOANNIS – KALO CHORIO – LEMESOS
51 MATHIKOLONI – LEMESOS
60 PELENDRI – SAITTAS – LEMESOS
61 SAITTAS – LEMESOS
62 FOINI – P. PLATRES – K. PLATRES – SAITTAS – LEMESOS
63 AMIANTOS – MONIATIS – SAITTAS – LEMESOS
64 TROODOS – SAITTAS – LEMESOS
65 AGIOS MAMAS – LIMNATI – KORFI – APESIA – LEMESOS
66 PELENDRI – AGROS – LEFCOSIA
70 PISSOURI – AVDEMOU – LEMESOS
80 ARAKAPAS – EPTAGONIA – KELLAKI – PAREKLISIA – LEMESOS
90 SANIDA – ASGATA – MONI – PYRGOS – LEMESOS
90Α PENTAKOMO – MONI – LEMESOS
95 KALAVASSOS – ZYGI – LEMESOS
95Α LEMESOS – GOVERNOR’S BEACH – LEMESOS
154.2. Routes of Intercity Buses of Cyprus from / to Limassol District
Tourists can visit other cities and archaeological sites and explore the beauties and culture of
Cyprus. Cyprus Intercity Buses cover regular services from the Old Port of Limassol to the rest
cities of Cyprus which are as Paphos, Larnaca and Nicosia.
Figure 11: Intercity Buses of Cyprus
164.1.2. Tickets of Intercity Buses of Cyprus
Intercity Buses of Cyprus offer several types of tickets, such as the One Way Journey, Daily,
Weekly, Monthly and the Yearly. There is also reduced ticket costs for students, while the transfer
is free for low pensioners, children under 6 years old and Cypriot soldiers or Cypriot contracted
soldiers (SYOP).
Figure 12: Prices of Intercity Bus’s Tickets
17Figure 13: Routes of Intercity Buses of Limassol to / from Paphos
18Figure 14: Routes of Intercity Buses of Nicosia to / from Limassol
19Figure 15: Routes of Intercity Buses of Larnaca to / from Limassol
20Figure 16: Routes of Intercity Buses of Nicosia to / from Paphos
21Figure 17: Routes of Intercity Buses of Larnaca to / from Nicosia
22Figure 18: Routes of Intercity Buses of Larnaca to / from Paphos
234.2. Bus Routes regarding the Airports of Cyprus
Tourists and locals can use ‘Cyprus by Bus’ buses from Larnaca and Paphos airports to reach
Limassol very easily. The airport of Larnaca and Paphos are 70 km and 63 km respectively from
Limassol.
The schedules to / from the airports are continuous and all-day on a daily basis. Tourists and
residents of Limassol can also go to the airports using ‘Cyprus by Buses’ buses located at the
Church of St. Georgios Chavouzas in Limassol (Figures 20, 21).
Figure 19: Airports of Larnaca (a) and Paphos (b)
(a)
(b)
24Figure 20: Timetables of Limassol to / from Larnaca Airport (a) and Paphos Airport (b)
(a) (b)
254.3. Improvement of PT routes, Timetables, Ticket Procedure and Bike
Transportation on Buses to Make the Service More Attractive
Public Transport (PT) in Limassol has been improved to serve the needs of tourists and locals.
Improved routes and timetables ensure a more convenient service that increases the number of
public transport users.
This measure aims to provide PT services that serves the needs of tourists and citizens. Better
designed routes and timetable adjustments ensure that PT is convenient and attractive to
potential users. There is a need to combine cycling with the use of PT by installing bike racks on
buses. This allows cyclists to combine sustainable mobility modes for their leisure trips. Bike racks
enable the combination of cycling and PT.
The growing interest in cycling can be combined with the use of public transport in Limassol. For
this reason, Limassol Tourism Board has organized several meetings with Limassol Bus Company,
the Ministry of Communication and Works and the Next Bike Cyprus. In total 20 bike ramps have
been installed in buses in July 2018. Also 20 video cameras and free Wi-Fi services will be installed
in buses by April 2020.
Figure 21: Installation of Bike Racks on Buses
264.4. Public Transport Traveler Information System
The lack of information on bus waiting times and the lack of consistency at times are two main
reasons why public transport is not being used. At present, Limassol buses do not have
information about the next stop, while bus stops are not easily identifiable for tourists.
Limassol Municipality has approved the installation of the electric signs in tourist areas and they
will be responsible for their maintenance. The municipality participated in the process of the
identification of bus stop names. Limassol has identified and named the 25 bus stops where signs
have been installed. Also, 25 electronic strolling signs in buses as well as 25 electronic signs at
bus stops have been installed in August 2019 and November 2019 respectively, which serve the
tourist area towards the old town.
Figure 22: Public Transport Information Systems
274.5. Electric Car Sharing Connecting Limassol Town with Airports and Ports
In Limassol, this measure provides additional mobility modes to visitors arriving at the airport
and ports that need to travel in Limassol tourist area. This measure is expected to effectively
attract part of the traditional car rental business, since it will provide a 24/7 self-service car rental
option and will particularly attract visitors searching for greener mobility options.
Limassol Tourism Board has held several meetings with local Authorities and the Electricity
Authority of Cyprus where the location of 7 double e-car stations with shelters have been
installed in November 2017, while 7 EV-Charging stations with shelters will be installed by March
2020.
Moreover, 20,000 maps have been served as the promotional material for the service and
distributed to hotels, tourist information offices and other high traffic areas. During the event in
European Mobility Week 2,000 maps have been distributed providing information about the
location of EV-Charging stations in the whole Cyprus area.
Figure 23: EV-Charging Stations
285. Urban Centre
The Urban Centre is the focus of activities where the most important functions are concentrated.
It is also the geographic core of the city and a functionally multipurpose space and the main
feature of the range, variety and intensity of activities that coexist in a limited geographic area.
Also its great readability to the world makes it a unique place of reference more widely known
for its economic, cultural and social value.
The Limassol City Centre, compared to the centres of the other urban areas of Cyprus, presents
more positive indications of natural, economic, journalistic and social character due to the
importance and the content of its centre.
Limassol presents the phenomena of all Cypriot urban clusters with intense urban dispersion and
spreading tendencies, mainly in the periphery of the urban complex, which are incompatible with
the sustainable city standards, as they burden infrastructure costs, exacerbate traffic problems,
hamper the possibility of strengthening the role of public transport and increasing the
consumption of energy for transport. At the same time, they contribute to the gradual
deterioration of the quality of the environment and of the old neighbourhoods.
Figure 24: Urban City Centre of Limassol – Anexartisia street (a), St. Andrew street (b) and
Gladstonos/Navarinou streets (c)
295.1. Problems of the Urban Centre
The main problem of Limassol City Centre is the traffic congestion caused by cars during peak
hours, as there are public and private companies, high schools and municipalities, the Cyprus
University of Technology and other private institutes located in the city centre. In addition to the
shopping centres and schools located in this area, there are also several government and private
buildings such as the City Hall and the City Services, the Administration, the Post Office, the Court
of Justice and many buildings private companies.
A characteristic feature of the Urban Centre is the continuous building with narrow streets and
sidewalks and the one way streets. Besides, there is a serious congestion problem caused by
freight services. The traffic congestion problem was deteriorated at Anexartisia and St. Andrew
streets with the instalment of piles in 2014 on the sidewalk by the Limassol Municipality, in order
to prevent cars to park on the sidewalks.
5.2. Urban Freight Logistic Action Plan of Limassol City Centre (SULP)
Freight logistics are the main mode of goods transportation between specific origins and
destinations within the urban road network. However, freight logistics have significant
environmental impacts such as CO2, NOx, and noise emissions. Moreover, safety, proper
distribution and parking of vehicles are requirements that have to be taken seriously for a viable
city.
The purpose of the Plan is to introduce innovative solutions to traffic flow from the transport of
goods and their efficient distribution, noise and environmental pollution, the risks faced by
pedestrians due to the illegal parking of freight services as well as the road disturbances facing
the central area of our city. The Plan will evolve the centre of Limassol and change the behaviour
of stakeholders and key players.
The measures that will be implemented within the Urban Freight Logistic Plan include the
following objectives:
• Study of economic activities based on commerce, services and tourism in the city centre
that will include the tourist flow of the city and the effects of freight traffic
• Organization of a logistic plan and implementation of a continuous access control system
for mobility management, including the type of goods, the region and the timeframes
with restrictions
• Developing an online platform for the management of key freight transport stakeholders
for more efficient distribution of goods
305.2.1. Study Area
The main problem of the study area is the traffic congestion caused by the large number of
various means of transport, since it is a very busy area where locals and many visitors use daily
to move around. In addition, the distribution of freight logistics in the various supermarkets,
restaurants and cafes during the peak hours further increases the traffic problem in the study
area.
Figure 25: Map of the Study Area
31Figure 26: The distribution of Buildings located in the Study Area
325.2.2. Records of Air Quality and Noise Emissions
As part of the Urban Freight Logistic Plan, specific measurements of air quality and noise were
made on the main roads of the city centre – Anexartisia, St. Andrew and Gladstonos / Navarinou
streets. The main objective was to measure the various atmospheric pollutants and to identify
the main sources of pollutants.
The results from the CO2 measurements on the three major roads of the study area revealed that
the highest measurements were recorded during the morning hours, where the value was 3,80
CO2, while during the afternoon the value was 2,81 CO2. The results from the noise
measurements revealed very high noise values relative to the measurements of other European
countries. Surveys showed that the noise pollution during the day was 65 dB in other European
countries, while in the centre of Limassol the values exceeded 75 dB. Additionally, the noise
values during the morning was higher than those during the afternoon.
Table 3: Measurement Results of the Air Quality at the Main Roads of the Study Area
Measurements of Air Quality (CO2)
Roads
08:00 – 10:00 π.μ. 12:00 – 14:00 μ.μ.
Gladstonos / Navarinou Streets 1,81 1,58
Anexartisia Street 1,38 0,76
St. Andrew Street 0,61 0,47
Total 3,80 2,81
Table 4: Measurement Results of the Noise Emissions at the Main Roads of the Study Area
Measurements of Noise Emissions (dB)
Road AADT D a
08:00 – 10:00 12:00 – 14:00
Total
π.μ. μ.μ.
Gladstonos / Navarinou Streets 25,000 10 0,5 41,38 37,23 78,61
Anexartisia Street 17,000 10 0,5 39,67 37,19 76,86
St. Andrew Street 16,000 10 0,5 39,26 37,46 76,72
336. Parking
Parking is the most critical problem that Limassol city centre is facing. Excessive traffic congestion
is a major disadvantage not only for tourists traveling by car but also for tourists visiting the city
due to noise and environmental pollution. The serious parking problem faced by the urban center
of Limassol is complex and is due to various reasons including the use of private cars, inadequate
control and policing in the urban center and uncontrolled parking in undefined spaces.
The consequences of uncontrolled parking are mostly related to the following factors:
• Reduction of traffic conjunction from road traffic and additional traffic associated with
parking
• Improvement of the quality of living in residential areas as a consequence of uncontrolled
parking of roads in residential streets
• The aggravation of congestion as a result of the increased level of traffic for parking
• The reduction in road safety level as a result of reduced visibility from illegally parked cars
• The occupation of pedestrian and bicycle traffic as a result of the illegal parking of vehicles
on sidewalks, pedestrian streets and bicycle paths
346.1. Address Parking Problems
To address the above problems, the Sustainable Mobility Plan for Tourism in Limassol is based
on the following principles:
• Ensure sufficient parking spaces to meet the operational needs of various uses by securing
private developments and public parking spaces
• Parking along the roads will be controlled and rationalized and allowed only where strictly
necessary
• Encourage the provision of parking spaces for customers of shops and offices in
designated and private parking spaces
• Discourage the parking of private vehicles of workers in areas where traffic is high, and
encourage their transport by public transport and other environmentally friendly means
of transport
6.2. Parking Areas in Limassol City Centre
The number of legal public and private car parks (on the road) are illustrated in Figure 27, where
in total 8,538 seats are found. Private parking spaces are in total 43 with a capacity of 3,251 seats,
while public controlled parking spaces are in total 15 with a capacity of 1,693 seats and the non-
controlled ones are only 5 with a capacity of 426 seats, as shown in Figure 28.
35Figure 27: Parking Areas in Limassol City Centre
36Figure 28: Short Term Parking Areas in Limassol City Centre
376.3. Smart Parking Guidance System
In the Limassol city centre there are more than 10 municipally owned parking spaces with their
capacity exceeding 2,000 cars and about the same number of places of private ownership. The
majority of parking spaces can be accessed through the narrow streets of the city centre. Cars
move around the city every day trying to find free parking, which causes unnecessary congestion.
The present measure aims to make available parking guidance to drivers before reaching the
parking spaces, by providing information for real-time parking availability, which can be visually
displayed on mobile phones / computer devices, through a smart application as well as on
variable message systems that located around city centre.
The server collects all the data and through appropriate software it forwards the data to a smart
application, available for public use via internet. The whole application also be available for
private parking owners in order to include their spaces in it.
The application, except for the real time availability, it includes information like type of parking
(public / private, covered / uncovered), parking rates and proximity of parking to areas of
interest. For immediate use, availability is presented on a map with distinct colours and GPS
navigator instructions are at hand for users. In total 7 public parking have been involved in
September 2019, while displays and software have been purchased including special sensors.
Figure 29: Areas of Smart Guidance System in Limassol City Centre
386.4. Mobility Application and Travel Planner for Smart Phones to Provide Real
Time Information
Limassol is responsible for the creation of an interactive mobility application providing real time
information and a travel planner. The application allows travellers to determine the nearest bus
stations, bike rental stations, bike sharing stations, electric car stations and EV chargers. It also
provides options for cycling, walking and hiking routes with descriptions regarding distance and
level of difficulty. The application includes information and maps for cycling lanes / routes,
walking paths / routes and hiking paths / routes. The application also features information on
access points to the beach for disabled people.
The application is available for i-phones and androids free of charge. It is downloadable and user
friendly for both smart phones and tablet users. The application is tailored to both residents and
tourists focusing on the effective use of sustainable mobility modes by both target groups. For
residents, it enables people to plan their travelling using PT and other sustainable mobility modes
better, so as to include these modes in their everyday life and leisure trips. For the visitor, it is a
tool to plan their travelling around the town and the different attractions using sustainable
mobility modes and enriching their experience.
A competition, for the promotion of the application was organized in February 2019 with a big
success through radio spots. After the competition the downloads increased from 200 to 4,840.
39Figure 30: Mobility Application for Limassol City Centre
407. Network of Sidewalks, Sidewalks, Bikes and Accessibility for People
with Disabilities
Modal split rates in Limassol indicate that only 1/3 of the journeys are done by foot of by bicycle
– a relatively low rate compared to other Mediterranean countries. Taking in mind the favourable
climatic conditions of Cyprus and flat topography, especially in the centre of Limassol, as well as
the fact that there is a large number of tourists without a private car in the city, there is a high
likelihood of a higher rate of cycling and walking.
In Limassol it is necessary to adopt measures to encourage the movement of people by
environmentally friendly means especially for short and medium sized distances. These measures
will have significant effects in target groups of people who can easily use the bike or move on
foot. There are some hazards due to the presence of few pedestrian and cycling lanes. It would
be therefore good to have a maintenance and management of the urban network of sidewalks
and bicycles in Limassol city centre.
7.1. Pedestrian and Cyclist Traffic Policy Measures
The following policy measures are provided for the needs of pedestrians and bicycles in the
centre of Limassol:
• Implementation of a comprehensive and continuous network of sidewalks and bike paths
that will integrate residential areas with major activity centres, educational institutions,
historic centres and public green spaces
• The creation of bicycle lanes as part of upgrades to the main urban road as well as the
construction of bicycle lanes along linear parks or other linear green parks
• The designation of roads and areas where there will be no traffic conjunction such as in
urban centres, shopping malls and historic sites
417.2. Rent Bicycles in Limassol – NextBike CY
NextBike CY was founded in 2004 by two Germans whose aim was to promote bicycles in
everyday life. Cycling is environmentally friendly, healthy, cheap and fun. It has to be mentioned
that there are more than 40,000 NextBikes in 23 countries worldwide.
The NextBike CY bicycle rental system in Limassol has been operating successfully since 2012,
with more than 172 bicycles available at 25 stations in Limassol region (Figure 25). The stations
are located in the central areas and along the coast, starting from New Port to St. Raphael Marina.
The registration to rent a bike is very easy and can be done online or by calling the NextBike CY
service centre, with rental rates starting at €2,00 for 60 minutes and €1,00 for every 60 minutes,
€8,00 for 24 hours and €10,00 per month for 120 minutes daily.
Whether you are on the streets or in recreational areas, the NextBike CY bicycles can be found
everywhere, on the move or waiting for the next rider.
Figure 31: NextBike CY Bicycle Rental Systems in Limassol
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