One great step ahead in the use of intelligent transport systems, facilitating urban public transport, reducing traffic and environmental impact and minimizing accident hazards, is taken by four island cities in Greece and Cyprus, through the European Project EFKINISI. Rhodes, Syros-Hermoupolis, Thera (Santorini) and Limassol (Cyprus) through the Limassol Tourism Board and the Frederick Research Centre, follow the example of other European countries that have advanced particularly in this field, by widely deploying Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS).

The telematics system will operate electronic displays at bus stops informing the public about bus timetables and their waiting time at stops as well as displays in buses providing information on the route. At the same time, relevant information will be provided via the Internet and mobile phones to users. It is expected that this system will improve significantly the public transport service, facilitating travel by choosing the best route planning, ensuring a higher level of service and saving time for users, thus gradually reducing traffic load and ensuring lower pollutants.

Increasing the number of citizens and visitors using public transport and enhancing sustainable mobility is one of the main priorities that all urban and suburban areas are called upon to pursue in line with the European Mobility and Transport Policy as well as and the objectives set by the European policy for Europe 2020.

In addition to the implementation of systems and technologies, through the EFKINISI program, participants are invited to ensure the co-ordination of individual systems as well as the long-term maintenance of these technologies in service to serve the “mass transit” goal and at the same time to ensure high quality and the lowest possible pollutants.