Many car owners must stop using their cars because of important Takata airbag problems. The government offers free bus travel cards to help them. However, very few people have taken these cards. This makes people ask if the government's plan is working well.
Faulty Takata airbags can be very dangerous. They might break apart when the car's airbag comes out. This can cause serious harm or even death. So, the government is stopping cars that do not have new airbags. Owners must then find other ways to travel. In February, the government decided to give free bus cards to drivers. This was to help them with the problems and costs.
The first cars were stopped in October. Getting new parts has been slow. About 90% of the first 81,000 cars have had their airbags fixed. But 5,700 cars still need them. Later, 19,500 more cars were added to the list. These cars have eight months to get new airbags. People with difficulties can ask for more time. Still, not many people are using the bus cards.
There are many cars affected, but only a few people want the bus passes. An officer said that about 90% of the first group of cars are fixed. For the second group, about 77% are fixed. The Transport Minister said drivers who stop their cars can get free bus travel.
Only 20 people have taken the free bus cards. These cards let people ride buses anywhere in Cyprus. They are a temporary solution. Shops say they have many appointments for repairs. They also say they have enough spare parts. So, fixing the cars should not be too hard.
The low number of people using the bus cards is a puzzle. Maybe people do not know about them. Or maybe they do not think they need them. It is not clear if the government is telling people enough. Or if people do not want to use buses. Or if they do not feel the problem is very big. The government might need to think about a new plan. This is to make sure drivers can travel while their cars are fixed.