**Nicosia, Cyprus** – A government initiative designed to offer a lifeline to vehicle owners grappling with the mandatory immobilisation of their cars due to the pervasive Takata airbag recall has seen an alarmingly low uptake, raising questions about the efficacy of the provision. Despite thousands of vehicles being rendered inoperable over safety concerns, a mere two dozen individuals have availed themselves of the complimentary bus travel cards offered as an alternative transport solution.
The nationwide recall, a critical public safety measure, targets vehicles equipped with faulty Takata airbags, notorious for their potential to rupture violently upon deployment, posing a severe risk of injury or even fatality. Authorities have begun immobilising vehicles that have not undergone the requisite airbag replacement, compelling owners to seek alternative mobility. In response to this disruption, the cabinet approved a scheme on February 5 to provide free bus travel cards to eligible drivers, aiming to mitigate the inconvenience and financial burden associated with the mandated repairs.
While the first vehicle immobilisations commenced in early October, the rollout of replacement parts has been staggered. An initial cohort of 81,000 affected vehicles has seen a commendable 90 per cent compliance rate, with 5,700 still awaiting their airbag fixes. A subsequent, larger group of 19,500 vehicles was later added to the recall list. For this latter category, which is not yet subject to immobilisation, an eight-month grace period for replacement has been instituted, with provisions for extensions in cases of demonstrable health or financial hardship. However, even for these vehicles, which are not immediately impacted, the prospect of future immobilisation appears not to have spurred widespread adoption of the public transport subsidy.
The disparity between the number of vehicles affected and the minuscule number of bus pass applications is stark. Road Transportation Department officer Konstantinos Koupis highlighted the progress in addressing the recall, stating, "From an initial list issued in February identifying 81,000 vehicles affected by the recall, 5,700 remain pending airbag replacement, representing a 90 per cent implementation rate." He further elaborated on the second wave, noting 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 affirmed that drivers who voluntarily immobilise their vehicles are indeed entitled to the complimentary bus travel.
Despite these figures and the clear safety imperative, only 20 individuals have come forward to claim their "motion cards," which grant unrestricted access to any bus service across Cyprus. These cards are intended as a temporary measure, to be deactivated once the recall process is finalised and the vehicles are returned to operational status. Distributors have indicated that replacement appointments are readily available and that spare parts are generally in stock for the majority of manufacturers, suggesting that the logistical hurdles for repairs are not a significant impediment. The delayed delivery of replacement parts for one manufacturer, expected in January, does not appear to be a widespread issue affecting the overall availability of the service.
The low uptake of the free bus travel cards presents a puzzling conundrum. It suggests a potential disconnect between the government's provision of a tangible support mechanism and the awareness or perceived necessity among the affected vehicle owners. Whether this is a reflection of a lack of communication, a reluctance to use public transport, or an underestimation of the ongoing inconvenience caused by immobilised vehicles remains to be seen. As the recall process continues and more vehicles face potential immobilisation, authorities may need to re-evaluate their strategy to ensure that this safety-driven initiative effectively serves its intended purpose of facilitating alternative transportation for Cypriot motorists.