A government initiative designed to assist vehicle owners facing mandatory car immobilisation due to the extensive Takata airbag recall has encountered surprisingly low participation. Thousands of vehicles have been rendered inoperable because of serious safety concerns, yet only a minimal number of individuals have utilised the complimentary bus travel cards offered as an alternative. This situation has prompted questions regarding the effectiveness of the government's provision.
The nationwide recall targets vehicles equipped with faulty Takata airbags, which have been known to rupture violently during deployment. Such an event poses a significant risk of severe injury or even fatality. Authorities have commenced immobilising vehicles that have not yet had their airbags replaced, compelling owners to find other means of transportation. In response, the cabinet approved a scheme in early February to provide free bus travel cards to eligible drivers, aiming to alleviate the inconvenience and financial strain caused by the mandated repairs.
Although the first vehicle immobilisations began in October, the distribution of replacement parts has been gradual. An initial group of 81,000 affected vehicles has shown a high compliance rate of 90 per cent, with 5,700 still awaiting airbag replacements. A subsequent, larger group of 19,500 vehicles was later added to the recall list. For this latter category, an eight-month grace period for replacement has been established, with potential extensions available for those facing demonstrable hardship. However, even with the prospect of future immobilisation, the public transport subsidy has not seen widespread adoption.
The stark contrast between the number of affected vehicles and the few bus pass applications is notable. Road Transportation Department officer Konstantinos Koupis stated that from the initial 81,000 vehicles, 5,700 remain pending, indicating a 90 per cent implementation rate. He further mentioned that within the additional 19,500 vehicles, up to 4,500 are awaiting replacement, achieving a 77 per cent implementation rate. Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades has confirmed that drivers who voluntarily immobilise their vehicles are indeed eligible for the complimentary bus travel.
Despite these figures and the pressing safety imperative, only 20 individuals have claimed their "motion cards," which offer unrestricted access to bus services across Cyprus. These cards are intended as a temporary solution until vehicles are returned to operational status. Distributors report that replacement appointments are readily available and that spare parts are generally in stock, suggesting that logistical issues for repairs are not a major obstacle. The delayed delivery of parts for one manufacturer, anticipated in January, does not appear to be a widespread problem.
The low uptake of the free bus travel cards presents a perplexing issue. It suggests a potential gap between the government's offered support and the awareness or perceived need among affected vehicle owners. It is unclear whether this stems from insufficient communication, a reluctance to use public transport, or an underestimation of the ongoing inconvenience caused by immobilised vehicles. As the recall process progresses, authorities may need to reassess their strategy to ensure this safety initiative effectively provides alternative transportation for Cypriot motorists.