Paphos approves Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan to 2030

The Department of Environment has approved the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) for Paphos (Cyprus), which sets the region’s comprehensive transport strategy to 2030. The plan covers the municipalities of Paphos, Geroskipou and Pegeia, together with 16 surrounding communities.

The SUMP is built around five core objectives:

• Economic efficiency
• Accessibility and social inclusion
• Environmental sustainability
• Road safety
• Enhanced quality of life

The plan responds to forecasts of a 17.1% rise in transport demand by 2030 and tackles the region’s heavy dependence on private cars. Currently, 87% of all journeys in Paphos are made by car, compared to 5% by public transport, 2% by cycling and 6% on foot.

To address this imbalance, three development scenarios were assessed. The first relied solely on existing projects, the second proposed moderate investment in sustainable mobility, and the third set out an ambitious vision prioritising public transport expansion, structured parking management and better cycling infrastructure. The ambitious scenario was chosen as it offers the greatest benefits across all five objectives.

Key actions include:

• Public transport: Higher frequency and capacity, with passenger numbers expected to more than double on main routes such as Makarios III, Poseidonos and Ellados avenues, as well as the new coastal highway.
• Road network: Upgrades to the coastal highway between Chlorakas, Kissonerga and Lemba, the western bypass, Archbishop Makarios III Avenue, Apostolou Pavlou Avenue, and improvements in Geroskipou’s traditional core and Kato Vrysi.
• Parking management: Introduction of regulated systems to reduce congestion.
• Environmental safeguards: Assessments identified 81 positive or neutral impacts and four reversible negatives, to be mitigated through restoration, green technologies and public engagement.

The plan aligns with wider regional developments, including the expansion of higher education facilities, the transformation of Paphos General Hospital into a university hospital, and regeneration of key historic and commercial areas such as Anavargos, southern Paphos, Theoskepastis Square and the Historic Centre.

Funding is secured through the EU Cohesion Fund, which will cover 85% of costs under the “Competitiveness and Sustainable Development” programme, with the remaining 15% provided nationally.

Author: Claus Köllinger

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.